pretext

[pree-tekst]

pretext Definition

• 1. a reason that you give to hide your real reason for doing something
• 2. an excuse

Using pretext: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pretext" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He used the pretext of a meeting to visit his girlfriend.

• Example

  The company fired him on the pretext of poor performance.

• Example

  She left early on the pretext of having a headache.

pretext Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pretext

• excuse
• pretense
• cover
• mask
• cloak

Phrases with pretext

• under the pretext of

  using an excuse as a cover for doing something else

  Example

  He took the money under the pretext of investing it in the stock market.

• pretext for

  an excuse or reason given to justify something

  Example

  The new law was just a pretext for increasing taxes.

• on the pretext that

  using an excuse as a reason for doing something

  Example

  He refused to let her go out on the pretext that it was too dangerous.

Origins of pretext

from Old French 'pretexte', from Latin 'praetextum', meaning 'outward display'

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Summary: pretext in Brief

'Pretext' [pree-tekst] refers to a reason given to hide the real reason for doing something, often used as an excuse. It is exemplified by 'The company fired him on the pretext of poor performance.' 'Pretext' can be used in phrases like 'under the pretext of,' which means using an excuse as a cover for doing something else, and 'pretext for,' which means an excuse or reason given to justify something.