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pretext

noun

/ˈpriːtɛkst/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of pretext

A reason or explanation given to conceal the real purpose or motivation behind an action.
"The government's real agenda was hidden behind the pretext of national security."

Detailed meaning of pretext

It is often used in the context of deception or manipulation. For example, someone who is using a pretext might give a false reason for their behavior or actions in order to hide their true intentions.

In legal contexts, pretext can refer to a reason given to justify an action that is discriminatory or otherwise illegal. For example, an employer may give a pretext for firing an employee, such as poor performance, when the real reason is discrimination. Similarly, in politics, pretext can refer to reasons used to justify a policy or action that has a hidden agenda.

The word "pretext" is often used in the context of something being done under false pretenses, and it can have negative connotations. It's a strategy of deception that can be used to conceal the true intentions or motivations behind an action.

Example sentences containing pretext

1. He concocted a false family emergency as a pretext to leave the meeting early.
2. The email served as a flimsy pretext to justify delaying the project deadline.
3. Under the pretext of poor health, he conveniently skipped the strenuous hike.
4. The extravagant party was just a pretext for announcing their surprise engagement.
5. She frequently used work commitments as a pretext to avoid social gatherings.
6. He skillfully employed the pretext of an urgent phone call to exit gracefully.

History and etymology of pretext

The noun 'pretext' has its etymological roots in Latin. It stems from the Latin term 'praetextus,' which is a combination of 'prae' (meaning 'before') and 'texere' (meaning 'to weave'). In ancient Rome, a 'praetextus' was a type of cloak or garment with a distinctive border worn by young Roman boys and girls. This garment was symbolic of their age and social status. Over time, the term evolved to denote any outward appearance or pretext used to hide or mask the true purpose or motivation behind an action. Therefore, the etymology of 'pretext' reflects the idea of weaving an external reason or cover story, much like the distinctive border of the praetextus garment, to conceal one's true intentions.

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Further usage examples of pretext

1. Their expressed concerns were merely a pretext for challenging the decision.
2. He offered a rather flimsy pretext to borrow her car for the weekend.
3. The company's alleged financial troubles were a convenient pretext for mass layoffs.
4. The pretext of a sudden business trip concealed his elaborate romantic surprise.
5. Under the pretext of friendship, he cynically exploited her trust and generosity.
6. His pretext for being late to the meeting was a detailed story about a flat tire.
7. The survey was a pretext to discreetly gather sensitive information from participants.
8. She cited a fictitious doctor's appointment as a pretext to leave the party early.
9. The pretext of strict confidentiality masked their true intentions behind closed doors.
10. A lost wallet became a pretext for an unexpected and memorable adventure.
11. His flattering compliments were merely a pretext to obtain her phone number.
12. The pretext of a school project was a clever ruse for their covert mission.
13. Under the pretext of conducting research, they fearlessly explored the reputedly haunted house.
14. The pretext of a surprise family visit effectively concealed her elaborate party plans.
15. The pretext for the invasion was the supposed presence of weapons of mass destruction.
16. The pretext for the search was a traffic violation, but the officers were really looking for drugs.
17. The company used the pretext of financial difficulties to lay off a large number of employees.
18. The pretext for the meeting was to discuss business, but the real purpose was to plan a surprise party.
19. He used the pretext of needing to work late as an excuse to avoid spending time with his family.
20. The pretext for the censorship was to protect children from inappropriate content.
21. The pretext for the investigation was to uncover fraud, but it was really a political witch hunt.
22. She used the pretext of being lost to ask for directions and start a conversation with him.
23. The pretext for the action was to promote democracy, but it was really to gain access to resources.
24. The pretext for the restriction was to protect public health, but it was really a way to control the population.
25. The pretext for the intervention was to bring stability to the region, but it was really to gain more control over the local government.
26. Pompey's refusal to submit, gave Caesar a pretext for declaring war and marching at the head of his army into Italy.