pretext
pretext Lexical Profile
pretext Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason; an ostensible purpose or excuse used to conceal a true motive.
"He called her under the pretext of asking for the homework assignment, though he really just wanted to chat."
• verb
To allege or put forward as an excuse or ostensible reason in order to conceal a true motive or obtain confidential information.
"The private investigator was fined for pretexting as a bank employee to access the client's phone records."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'pretext' (a false excuse given to hide one's true motive) with 'context' (the surrounding circumstances or setting of an event or statement).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin praetextum ('an ornament, disguise, or pretext'), from the past participle of praetexere ('to weave in front, fringe, or allege as an excuse'), combining prae- ('before') and texere ('to weave').