the.com/pretend
Lying's softer cousin, the one that wears a costume and calls it play.
means To make something appear true that isn't, whether for fun, deception, or social survival.
from From Latin praetendere, to stretch forth or hold out in front, like a shield held up to hide what's behind it.
Kid logicChildren master pretend play around age two.
Royal claimA pretender once meant a throne-seeker, not a faker.
Brain trickPretending to be happy can genuinely lift mood.