Basic Details
Word: Pretext
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A reason given for an action that is not the real reason.
Synonyms: Excuse, pretense, justification
Antonyms: Truth, reality
Idioms and Phrases
- Under the pretext: Doing something while pretending to have a different reason or purpose. Example: "He visited her under the pretext of borrowing a book, but he really wanted to see her."
- Pretext for action: A cover story or false reason for taking action. Example: "The manager used the pretext for action of a sudden meeting to leave the office early."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She made a pretext of being busy with homework to avoid going to the party.
Example 2: The cat climbed the tree under the pretext that she saw a bird, but really, she just wanted to explore.
Example 3: He apologised under the pretext of being late, although he had simply forgotten the time.
Fun Fact
The word "pretext" comes from the Latin word "praetextus," which means "to cover," highlighting the idea of covering one's true intentions with a false reason.
Famous Quote
"When we make excuses, we are profiting from our own pretexts." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "pretext" mean?
a) A solid reason
b) A false reason
c) A method to learn
d) An invitation
Answer: b) A false reason
2. Which of these is a synonym of "pretext"?
a) Justification
b) Truth
c) Clarity
d) Agreement
Answer: a) Justification
3. Which word is an antonym of "pretext"?
a) Excuse
b) Reality
c) Pretence
d) Cover
Answer: b) Reality
4. Which sentence uses "pretext" correctly?
a) He went to school under the pretext of being sick.
b) The butterfly danced under the pretext of catching a rain.
c) She bought flowers under the pretext of cooking dinner.
d) The dog ran under the pretext of chasing the cat.
Answer: a) He went to school under the pretext of being sick.
5. Which idiom means the same as "pretext"?
a) Under the pretext
b) Bird in the hand
c) As clear as mud
d) A horse of a different colour
Answer: a) Under the pretext
