pretext
PREE-tekst
/ˈpriː.tekst/
A false reason given for an action to hide the real reason.
The pretext is usually something noble or necessary, while the real reason is often selfish or controversial.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'praetextus', meaning 'outward appearance' or 'cloak'. It literally means something 'woven' (textus) and placed 'before' (prae) the truth to hide it.
Word relationships
- guise: A guise is a false appearance; a pretext is a false reason.
- justification: A valid and honest reason for an action.
Commonly confused with
- reason: A reason is the actual cause; a pretext is the fake cause.
Word family
- pretexts (noun): Plural of pretext.
Collocations
- under the pretext of
- flimsy pretext
- mere pretext
Example sentences
- "The company used the new environmental regulations as a pretext for firing unionized workers." Corporate strategy.
- "The border dispute was merely a pretext for the invasion that had been planned for years." Historical analysis.
Memory hook
A 'pretext' is the 'text' you put 'pre' (before) the real story. The story before the real story.
When not to use
Do not use for a simple excuse; it implies a more elaborate, formal cover story.
Fun facts
- In Roman times, a 'toga praetexta' was a toga with a purple border worn by magistrates—a literal 'cloak' of authority.
Related words
Explore more words
subterfuge, rationalize, prevaricate, disingenuous, artifice, dissemble
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