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    Prétexte (en. Pretext)

    [pʁe.tɛkst]

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    noun
    A reason or motive used to justify another action.
    He found a pretext to avoid going to work today.
    Il a trouvé un prétexte pour ne pas aller au travail aujourd'hui.
    An excuse, often considered fallacious or deceptive.
    His pretext was so unconvincing that everyone doubted his sincerity.
    Son prétexte était si peu convaincant que tout le monde a douté de sa sincérité.
    An argument or justification that masks the true intent.
    She used the pretext of a medical appointment to avoid the meeting.
    Elle a utilisé le prétexte d'un rendez-vous médical pour éviter la réunion.

    Etymology

    Derived from the Latin 'praetextus' which means 'that which is put in front'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to put forth as a pretext
    To use something as an excuse.
    mettre en prétexte
    spurious pretext
    An excuse that is not credible.
    prétexte fallacieux
    under the pretext of
    By invoking a reason to justify another action.
    sous prétexte de

    Related Words

    pretextual
    Related to a pretext.
    prétextuel
    excused
    A motive or reason to justify an action.
    excusé

    Slang Meanings

    Pretexts often used in informal discussions.
    He has so many pretexts that it seems he is inventing a life for himself.
    Il a tellement de prétextes qu'on dirait qu'il s'invente une vie.
    Used to describe someone who hides behind excuses.
    He is always coming up with a pretext not to go out.
    Il est toujours en train de trouver un prétexte pour ne pas sortir.