make-believe

[meyk-bi-leev]

noun

1. pretense, especially of an innocent or playful kind; playacting; fantasy.

   the make-believe of children playing.

2. a pretender; a person who pretends.

adjective

1. pretended; feigned; imaginary; made-up; unreal.

   a make-believe world of fantasy.

make believe

verb

1. to pretend or enact a fantasy

   the children made believe they were doctors

noun

1. 1. a fantasy, pretence, or unreality

   2. ( as modifier )

      a make-believe world

2. a person who pretends

Word History and Origins

Origin of make believe¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Idioms and Phrases

Pretend, as in Let's make believe we're elves. This expression in effect means making oneself believe in an illusion. [Early 1700s]

Example Sentences

In a letter to the FCC, Skydance lawyers said they had uncovered evidence that Project Rise’s bid and the backers it listed in a September term sheet were “make believe.”

From Los Angeles Times

It was Hollywood make believe, a phony fire created for the filming of a movie.

From Los Angeles Times

How do you tap into that when you’re in the make believe world of “The Diplomat,” shooting the third season, in the run-up to the election?

From Los Angeles Times

But since McElhenney and Reynolds come from a world of make believe, where nothing is impossible, why not dream big?

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m begging you, Michael, I’m begging you, try to make believe this is not just madness, because this is not just madness,” the voice pleads, pitch modulating and then oscillating through steadiness to vexation.

From New York Times

Related Words

• fictional 
• imaginary 
• simulated