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pretext

pre·text
P p

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [pree-tekst]
    • /ˈpri tɛkst/
    • /ˈpriː.tekst/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [pree-tekst]
    • /ˈpri tɛkst/

Definitions of pretext word

  • noun pretext 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. 1
  • noun pretext the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention: His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery. 1
  • countable noun pretext A pretext is a reason which you pretend has caused you to do something. 0
  • noun pretext a fictitious reason given in order to conceal the real one 0
  • noun pretext a specious excuse; pretence 0
  • noun pretext a false reason or motive put forth to hide the real one; excuse 0

Information block about the term

Origin of pretext

First appearance:

before 1505
One of the 26% oldest English words
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

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Pretext

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

pretext popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 81% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

pretext usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for pretext

noun pretext

  • alibi — If you have an alibi, you can prove that you were somewhere else when a crime was committed.
  • apologetics — the branch of theology concerned with the defence and rational justification of Christianity
  • apologia — An apologia is a statement in which you defend something that you strongly believe in, for example a way of life, a person's behaviour, or a philosophy.
  • capote — a long cloak or soldier's coat, usually with a hood
  • chicane — a bridge or whist hand without trumps

verb pretext

  • let go — to move or proceed, especially to or from something: They're going by bus.
  • curtained — A curtained window, door, or other opening has a curtain hanging across it.
  • curtaining — Present participle of curtain.

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See also

Matching words

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