"Pretension" vs. "pretentiousness"

Is there a difference between pretension and pretentiousness? Merriam-Webster gives the latter as one possible definition of the former.

Is one more recent than the other? Is there any reason to use one rather than the other when both seem appropriate?

Solution 1:

They're pretty much synonyms, but I would argue that the longer word is actually more readily understood by the general populace (at least in America), despite what NGrams may tell you.

First of all, pretension is a more bookish term, so it would not surprisingly show up more in books. That does not mean it shows up more in speech or casual writing (especially online writing).

Second, pretentiousness is a noun made from the adjective pretentious, which virtually everyone knows and understands. You will hear the word used everywhere from literary soirees to shopping mall get-togethers to trailer-park barbecues.

Now, it is likely that most people would understand pretension if they stopped to think about it. They just wouldn't say it.

All right, having said that I am obliged to point out that pretension is much the better word to use with a complement. For example:

My wife can't stand her pretensions to culture.

You can't really say "pretentiousness to culture"; it just doesn't work.

And by the way, you won't hear the phrase "pretensions to culture" in a trailer park, unless said park caters to graduate students.

Solution 2:

Ngrams for pretension vs. pretentiousness indicates pretension is and older word and is used more, and has been since before 1900. The shorter spelling may be one reason to use pretension where either word would work.