Meaning & Definition of word "Pretext"
to
Pretext
/ˈpriː.tɛkst/
noun:
- 1. A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.
- Example: He made a donation to the charity as a pretext for avoiding taxes.
- 2. An excuse or facade for a specific behavior or decision.
- Example: Under the pretext of needing advice, she sought him out to rekindle their old relationship.
- 3. A false appearing motive or justification.
- Example: The manager used a pretext of company policy to deny the employees' request for a raise.
Etymology
From Latin 'praetextus', meaning 'to cover or conceal'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
under the pretext:
doing something while claiming a misleading reason.
pretext for action:
an excuse that is used to justify a certain action.
on false pretenses:
acting under a deception, often legally or morally questionable.
Related Words
pretense:
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
guise:
An external appearance concealing the true nature of something.
subterfuge:
A trick or deceit used to achieve one's goal.
Slang Meanings of pretext
Meaning: Cover story
Example Sentence: He always has a cover story to explain his late arrivals.
Meaning: Excuse note
Example Sentence: She wrote an excuse note to skip class but really just went shopping.