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From: "Diana Gale Matthiesen" <>
Subject: use of word, "pretender"
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:43:32 -0400


I have a question about the meaning, especially the connotations, of the word,
"pretender." I know what my dictionary says, but I'd like to have a better feel
for how it's used and what it implies. To me, one connotation is derogatory and
the other is not. For example,

If a person would have been the next monarch, had their monarchy had not been
overthrown, I see no reason to necessarily hold the person in contempt, but if
someone affects a position or title -- or usurps such a title -- to which they
were never rightfully eligible, I view that as contemptible.

Would the term, "pretender," apply to both, or to only the former?

Diana

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