English Explanatory Dictionary

pretext

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.
verb
  1. To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɹiːtɛkst/ en-us-pretext.ogg

Word forms

pretext pretexts pretexting pretexted

Etymology

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”).

Synonyms

alibi stall canard excuse plea pretense pretension pretext zhuangbility blag

Related words

fake

Derived words

pretextual
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