make-believe fondness

noun phrase
UK /ˈmeɪk bɪˌliːv ˈfɒndnəs/
US /ˈmeɪk bɪˌliːv ˈfɑːndnəs/

A make-believe fondness is a pretend liking for something that is not real.

The little girl showed a make-believe fondness for broccoli while playing restaurant with her toys.

SYNONYMS

pretend affectionimaginary likingfeigned loveplayful attachment

RELATED WORDS

imaginationpretend playaffectionfantasyrole-play

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A fondness that exists only in someone's imagination.

In his daydreams, he had a make-believe fondness for a town he had never visited.

3. A playful, theatrical show of liking used in games or stories.

The puppet had a make-believe fondness for singing silly songs.

4. An attachment to imaginary characters or things.

Her make-believe fondness for the dragon in the story made her draw it every day.