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Pretentious vs Despotic - What's the difference?

pretentious | despotic |

As adjectives the difference between pretentious and despotic

is that pretentious is marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction while despotic is of or pertaining to a despot or tyrant.

pretentious

English

Alternative forms

*

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
    • Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
  • Ostentatious; intended to impress others.
    • Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.

    Synonyms

    * poseur * See also

    Antonyms

    * unpretentious

    Derived terms

    * pretentiously * pretentiousness

    Related terms

    * pretend * pretender * pretense * pretension

    References

    * * *

    despotic

    English

    Alternative forms

    * despotick

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to a despot or tyrant.
    • This despotic age of the empire ended in a revolt.
  • Acting or ruling as a despot, tyrannical.
    • The despotic king dissolved the parliament, and took personal control of the country.

    Synonyms

    * (acting or ruling as a despot) domineering, tyrannical

    Related terms

    * despot * despotate * despotical * despotically * despotism * despotist * despotize