SAT vocabulary
Pretext
a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.
Example
"He used the need to buy milk as a pretext for leaving the boring party early."
Etymology
From Latin 'praetextum', meaning 'an outward display, a pretense', from 'praetexere' (to weave in front, to pretend).
Play today's word
Free daily SAT vocabulary game. One word, four definitions, be sharp.
Play WordSpar →