Pretext

Pronunciation: /ˈpriˌtɛkst/

Definitions of pretext

noun a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason

Example Sentences

A1 I didn't want to go to the party, so I used the pretext of having a headache.

A2 She made up a pretext to leave the meeting early.

B1 He used the pretext of needing to make a phone call to step out of the office for a break.

B2 The employee's sudden illness seemed like a pretext to avoid completing the project on time.

C1 The politician's speech was filled with pretexts to justify his controversial actions.

C2 The company's decision to lay off employees was seen as a pretext to increase profits.

Examples of pretext in a Sentence

formal He used the pretext of a family emergency to leave work early.

informal She made up a pretext about feeling sick to skip the party.

slang He always has some wild pretext for not doing his homework.

figurative The smile on her face was just a pretext to hide her true feelings.

Grammatical Forms of pretext

• past tense: pretexted
• plural: pretexts
• comparative: more pretext
• superlative: most pretext
• present tense: pretexts
• future tense: will pretext
• perfect tense: have pretexted
• continuous tense: is pretexting
• singular: pretext
• positive degree: pretext
• infinitive: to pretext
• gerund: pretexting
• participle: pretexted

Origin and Evolution of pretext

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'pretext' originated from the Latin word 'praetextus', which means 'outward display' or 'pretense'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'pretext' has evolved to refer to a false reason or excuse used to hide one's true intentions or motives.