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Added 9 October 2026

pretext

/ˈpɹiːtɛkst/ noun

In Latin: praetextum Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about pretext at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.
The reporter called the company on the pretext of trying to resolve a consumer complaint.

verb

To employ a pretext, which involves using a false or contrived purpose for soliciting the gain of something else.
The spy obtained his phone records using possibly-illegal pretexting methods.

Origin

From Latin praetextum (“an ornament, etc., wrought in front, a pretense”), neuter of praetextus, past participle of praetexere (“to weave before, fringe or border, allege”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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