pretext

Meanings

• noun

  A false or misleading reason or explanation for an action or statement.

  - "His apology was just a pretext for avoiding an argument."
  - "She used the need to visit her sick grandmother as a pretext for skipping work."

• noun

  A feigned or assumed appearance, especially one used to gain an advantage or hide the truth.

  - "The company used a pretext of financial difficulty to justify the layoffs."
  - "The defendant's alibi was a pretext to cover up his involvement in the crime."

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Pronunciation

1. /ˈpɹiːtɛkst/
   
   
   
   Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2651339"

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Synonyms

blag

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with pretext
prestige , deceit , retreat , recite , feat , seat , reat , reathe , meet

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Variants

List of all variants of pretext that leads to same result
pretext , pretexts , on one pretext or another

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Latin word 'praetextus', meaning 'worn before (a toga)', originally referring to a cloak or mantle worn over the tunic as a sign of rank or status.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The word 'pretext' has been used in law since the 16th century to refer to a false excuse or justification for an action.

2. In the 18th century, 'pretext' was used to refer to a false or misleading reason for going to war.

3. The term 'pretexting' refers to the practice of using false or misleading information to gain access to someone's personal information.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. subterfuge: A deceitful or evasive act or statement, used to hide the truth or achieve an objective.

2. dissembling: The act of concealing or feigning something, often with the intention of deceiving others.

3. duplicity: The quality of having two faces or being two-faced; deceitful or untrustworthy.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature, the concept of a pretext has been used to explore themes of deception, manipulation, and hidden motives. For example, in Shakespeare's 'Othello', Iago uses a pretext of jealousy to manipulate Othello into believing his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful.

How to Memorize "pretext"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a person wearing a cloak or mantle, hiding their true intentions or motives.
   - Visualize a mask or facade, representing a false or misleading appearance.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the word 'pretext' with the idea of deception or hiding the truth.
   - Think of a person using a false excuse or reason to cover up their true intentions.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Use the acronym P-R-E-T-E-X-T to remember the definition: 'Pretext' is a 'Reason' for an 'Explanation' that is 'Textbook' (false or misleading).

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