PRETEXT Definition & Meaning

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pretext

[ pree-tekst ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

something that is put forward to conceal a true purpose or object; an ostensible reason; excuse:
The leaders used the insults as a pretext to declare war.
the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention:
His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery.
Synonyms: ,

pretext

/ ˈ��ː��ɛ�� /

noun

a fictitious reason given in order to conceal the real one
a specious excuse; pretence

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of pretext¹

1505–15; < Latin praetextum pretext, ornament, noun use of neuter past participle of praetexere to pretend, literally, to weave in front, hence, adorn. See pre-, texture

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of pretext¹

C16: from Latin praetextum disguise, from praetexere to weave in front, disguise; see texture

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Zelensky could use this pressure from the US – echoing Russian narratives – as a pretext, telling voters he had no choice but to hold elections.

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Last week, E&E News reported that the Trump administration is planning a federal report making the case that a warming world would be a good thing, a pretext for weakening climate regulations.

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Many experts say that his demands are simply a pretext to continue the war he launched, in spite of heavy Russian casualties.

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But essentially that serves as a pretext for going with the tariffs, and this understanding that, OK, we need to do something about this problem now.

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"A lot of entrepreneurs used the China football strategy as a pretext to move money out of China," Dr Gow says.

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