pretende
“pretende” means “intends” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
intends, aims, plans
Also: seeks
📝 In Action
Ella pretende terminar la carrera este año.
A2She intends to finish her degree this year.
¿Qué pretende usted con esa actitud?
B1What do you aim to achieve with that attitude?
El equipo pretende ganar el campeonato.
A2The team plans to win the championship.
claims, alleges
Also: maintains
📝 In Action
El político pretende que sus reformas son las mejores para el país.
B2The politician claims that his reforms are the best for the country.
La empresa pretende no tener responsabilidad en el accidente.
C1The company alleges it has no responsibility for the accident.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pretende
Question 1 of 2
Which English word is the BEST translation for 'pretende' in the sentence: 'Mi hermana pretende estudiar medicina.'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *praetendere*, meaning 'to stretch forward' or 'to offer as an excuse.' This root idea of 'reaching toward a goal' or 'putting forward a statement' gives us both modern meanings: intending (reaching toward a goal) and claiming (putting forward a statement).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pretende' related to the English word 'pretend'?
Yes, they share the same Latin root, but their meanings have separated. In Spanish, 'pretende' means 'to aim' or 'to intend.' If you want to say 'to pretend' (to fake something), you must use the Spanish verb *fingir*.
How do I know if 'pretende' means 'aims' or 'claims'?
Context is key. If it's followed by an action (like 'pretende viajar'), it means 'aims/intends.' If it's followed by a statement of fact (like 'pretende que es verdad'), especially in formal or legal settings, it means 'claims/alleges.'