pretext

CEFRC1

/ˈpɹiːtɛkst/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A false reason given to hide the real reason.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else.

Examples

  • He made up a pretext for a fight with me.

  • He often uses the slightest thing as a pretext for a fight with anybody.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
3
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meaning

  1. A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.

More examples

In context

  • The reporter called the company on the pretext of trying to resolve a consumer complaint.

  • The spy obtained his phone records using possibly-illegal pretexting methods.

  • [T]hey would ſay [...] that I had quarrell'd / My brother purpoſely, thereby to finde / An apt pretext, to baniſh them my houſe.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

He used a fake headache as a blank to leave the boring dinner party.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Latin praetextum (“an ornament, etc., wrought in front, a pretense”), neuter of praetextus, past participle of praetexere (“to weave before, fringe or border, allege”).