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Definition of pretext - 3 dictionary results

pre⋅text

  [pree-tekst]
Use pretext in a Sentence
–noun
1. 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.
2. the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention: His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery.
Origin:
1505–15; < L praetextum pretext, ornament, n. use of neut. ptp. of praetexere to pretend, lit., to weave in front, hence, adorn. See pre-, texture

Synonyms:
2. subterfuge, evasion.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pretext
pre·text   (prē'těkst')   
n.  

  1. An ostensible or professed purpose; an excuse.

  2. An effort or strategy intended to conceal something.

tr.v.   pre·text·ed, pre·text·ing, pre·texts
To allege as an excuse.

[Latin praetextum, from neuter past participle of praetexere, to disguise : prae-, pre- + texere, to weave; see teks- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pretext 
1513, from L. prætextum "a pretext," originally neuter pp. of prætexere "to disguise, cover," from præ- "in front" + texere "to weave" (cf. pull the wool over someone's eyes).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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