pretext

Everyday

1. A false reason given to hide the real reason for doing something: «He called on the pretext of borrowing sugar, but really he wanted to see the puppy.» tree →
2. An excuse used to start something, like a fight or a war. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history lessons a pretext reveals hidden motives: a villain or a country uses a pretext to do what it wanted all along. In online safety, scammers use pretexts (a fake parcel, a fake prize) to get your details. Phrases: «on the pretext of», «under the pretext that», «a pretext for».

Examples

• She went to the kitchen on the pretext of getting water, but really she wanted biscuits. tree →
• The invaders used a small border fight as a pretext for war. tree →
• The scammer phoned on the pretext of checking the bank account. tree →
• He made up a pretext to leave the party early. tree →
• Asking for directions was just a pretext to start talking. tree →
• Never give your password, whatever pretext someone gives. tree →
• Then he leaves the room, under the pretext of giving an order, and Nikita takes his place. tree →

Note

Countable: a pretext, pretexts. Use «on/under the pretext of» + noun or -ing. Stress: PRE-text. A pretext is always false or hiding something; an honest reason is not a pretext. Not related to «text» messages in meaning.