This is the 8862nd most frequent Russian word.
претендовать
To claim, aspire to, or seek.
Here, 'претендовать' is used to mean 'to apply' or 'to strive for a position or role, indicating an active interest and eligibility for the role.
Я претендую на должность менеджера в компании.
I am applying for the position of manager in the company.
In this sentence, 'претендовать' implies asserting oneself as eligible or suitable for a certain role, highlighting one's desire to take on that responsibility.
Он всегда претендует на роль лидера в группе.
He always claims the role of leader in the group.
Here, 'претендовать' is used to indicate aspiring or aiming to achieve recognition or a specific accolade.