Basic Details
Word: Pretext
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A reason given for doing something that is not the real reason.
Synonyms: Excuse, justification, pretence
Antonyms: Reality, truth
Idioms and Phrases
- Under the pretext: Doing something with a false or misleading reason. Example: "He went to the party under the pretext of helping his friend with her work."
- Pretext for action: Using a misleading reason to justify an action. Example: "She used a pretext for action to change the meeting date without any valid reason."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The manager used a pretext to cancel the meeting, claiming he was not feeling well.
Example 2: She offered a pretext for missing school, saying she had a family emergency.
Example 3: The politician acted under the pretext of helping the community, while really pursuing his own interests.
Fun Fact
The word "pretext" comes from the Latin "praetextus," which means "to cover or cloak." It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a false excuse.
Famous Quote
"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions." Leonardo da Vinci
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "pretext" mean?
a) A valid reason
b) A false reason
c) A statement of fact
d) A strong opinion
Answer: b) A false reason
2. Which of these is a synonym of "pretext"?
a) Excuse
b) Truth
c) Fact
d) Proof
Answer: a) Excuse
3. What is an antonym of "pretext"?
a) Excuse
b) Idea
c) Reality
d) Pretext
Answer: c) Reality
4. Which sentence uses "pretext" correctly?
a) He used a pretext to get out of doing his chores.
b) She is a pretext student at the university.
c) The pretext was beautiful in the garden.
d) They were happy to have a pretext to celebrate.
Answer: a) He used a pretext to get out of doing his chores.
5. Which idiom means the same as "under the pretext"?
a) Under the weather
b) Under the guise
c) Under the spotlight
d) Under construction
Answer: b) Under the guise
