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pretext

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹiːtɛkst/

The English word “pretext” has 2 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.

verb

  1. To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else.

Etymology

From Latin praetextum (“an ornament, etc., wrought in front, a pretense”), neuter of praetextus, past participle of praetexere (“to weave before, fringe or border, allege”).

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