Meaning & Definition of word "Pretext"

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.