noun
pretext
PREE-tekst/ˈpriːtekst/
A false reason given to hide the real motive.
The man uses light rain as a pretext to stay home playing games.
Etymology
“Weave in front” became an image of covering or disguising something. A pretext is a verbal covering: an outward explanation that conceals the real reason.
In context
they're waging wars in other countries uh proxy wars when they went to iraq with a false pretext
More examples
- She calls on the pretext of needing help, but just wants company.
- The manager invents a pretext for firing his most outspoken employee.
- His supposed headache is just a pretext for leaving early.
Forms
pretext · pretexts