pretext

Definition of pretext in English English dictionary: A false, contrived or assumed purpose; a pretense
The reporter called the company on the pretext of trying to resolve a consumer complaint.; To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else
The spy obtained his phone records using possibly-illegal pretexting methods.; a fictitious reason or motive; {n} a pretense, excuse, cloke, show; Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise; {f} make an excuse, give a false reason, give a pretense, provide an alibi; A pretext is a reason which you pretend has caused you to do something. They wanted a pretext for subduing the region by force. a false reason given for an action, in order to hide the real reason pretext for (praetextus, from praetexere ); {i} excuse, pretense, alleged reason, alibi; an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"; something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
A pretext: pretexture
pretexts: plural of pretext

pretext

Hyphenation

pre·text

Turkish pronunciation

pritekst

Synonyms

affectation, alibi, appearance, bluff, cleanup, cloak, color, coloring, cop-out, cover, cover story, cover-up, device, excuse, face

Antonyms

reality, truth

Pronunciation

/ˈprēˌtekst/ /ˈpriːˌtɛkst/

Etymology

[ 'prE-"tekst ] (noun.) 1513. French prétexte Latin praetextum (“an ornament, etc., wrought in front, a pretense”), neuter of praetextus, past participle of praetexere (“to weave before, fringe or border, allege”).