Pretext

Pretext

Noun · /ˈpriːtekst/ · a reason given to justify an action, concealing the real reason

Definition

A pretext is a false or weak reason put forward to justify an action or decision, while the true motive remains hidden. The pretext is plausible on its surface — it sounds like a legitimate reason — but it is not the actual reason. It is a cover story: the stated purpose serves to conceal the real one. In law, a pretextual reason is one offered to disguise discrimination or other improper conduct.

Origin

From Latin praetextum, the neuter past participle of praetexere — to disguise, to cloak — from prae (before, in front) + texere (to weave). The image is of weaving something in front — creating a woven cover or screen that hides what lies behind it. The same root texere gives us text, textile, texture, and context. A pretext is, literally, a text woven in front of the truth.