Lexic.us

Definition of Pretext

1. Noun. Something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason.

2. Noun. An artful or simulated semblance. "Under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"

Definition of Pretext

1. n. Ostensible reason or motive assigned or assumed as a color or cover for the real reason or motive; pretense; disguise.

Definition of Pretext

1. Noun. A false, contrived or assumed purpose; a pretense. ¹

2. Verb. To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Pretext

1. to allege as an excuse [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Pretext

preternature preterperfect preterperfects preterpluperfect preterpluperfects preterrestrial pretertiary pretest pretested pretesting

pretests pretex pretexed pretexes pretexing pretext (current term) pretexted pretexting pretexts pretextual

pretextuality pretextually pretexture pretextures prethe pretheater pretheatre pretheoretical pretheoretically prethermalized

Literary usage of Pretext

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Curiosities of Literature by Isaac Disraeli (1858)
"CAUSE AND pretext. I? is an important principle in morals and in politics, not to mistake the cause for the pretext, nor the pretext for the cause, ..."

2. Curiosities of Literature by Isaac Disraeli, Benjamin Disraeli (1864)
"CAUSE AND pretext. IT is an important principle in morals and in politics, not to mistake the cause for the pretext, nor the pretext for the cause, ..."

3. Publications by English Dialect Society (1850)
"... tolerated, to make the Cyprians weary of them, whereby they might have Irish, an honourable pretext to quitt the Country; and that Condon designedly ..."

Other Resources: