Pretext: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ญ
pretext
[ หpriหtษkst ]
false reason
A pretext is a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason. It serves as a deceptive excuse that conceals the true intentions. Pretexts are often used to mislead or manipulate the beliefs and perceptions of others.
Synonyms
excuse, guise, justification, pretense
Examples of usage
- She used work as a pretext to avoid the party.
- He cited family commitments as a pretext for not attending the meeting.
- The government used a pretext to implement stricter laws.
Translations
Translations of the word "pretext" in other languages:
๐ต๐น pretexto
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฐเฅเคตเคชเฅเคทเฅเค เคญเฅเคฎเคฟ
๐ฉ๐ช Vorwand
๐ฎ๐ฉ dalih
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะธะฒัะด
๐ต๐ฑ pretekst
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฃๅฎ
๐ซ๐ท prรฉtexte
๐ช๐ธ pretexto
๐น๐ท bahane
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตฌ์ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฐุฑูุนุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ zรกminka
๐ธ๐ฐ predpoklad
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅฃ
๐ธ๐ฎ predtenek
๐ฎ๐ธ forsend
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะตะฑะตะฟ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ bahanษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ pretexto
Etymology
The word 'pretext' comes from the Latin term 'praetextus', which derives from 'praetexo', meaning 'to weave before'. The prefix 'prae-' translates to 'before', and 'texo' means 'to weave'. Thus, the etymology implies the act of weaving a false narrative or excuse prior to an event or action. In Middle French, it became 'pretexte', retaining a similar meaning. Historically, pretexts have been used in various contexts, from politics to personal relationships, demonstrating how people often construct facades to justify their actions. As societies have evolved, the concept of a pretext has remained relevant, reflecting the complexities of human communication and the often ambiguous motives behind actions.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #10,409, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
- ...
- 10406 contagious
- 10407 penis
- 10408 surpassed
- 10409 pretext
- 10410 fuse
- 10411 sorted
- 10412 reconnaissance
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