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pretexto

pretext

noun preh-TEKS-toh Rare
Communication Language

Origin: From Latin praetextum (cloak, disguise), from praetexere (to disguise).

Also means

excuse

Usage Note

Pretexto refers to a false reason given to justify an action, carrying a mildly negative connotation of deliberate deception — stronger than the neutral excusa. The common phrase con el pretexto de means 'under the pretext of'. A near-synonym in formal register is subterfugio, which stresses the bad-faith, fraudulent character of the excuse.

Examples

"Usó el trabajo como pretexto para no ir."

Natural Translation

He used work as a pretext not to go.

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