Spanish word

pretexto

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾeˈteksto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounexcuse

Example

Siempre encuentra un pretexto para no ayudar.

He always finds an excuse not to help.

Illustration for pretexto (excuse)

More examples

No busques un pretexto, di la verdad.

Don't look for an excuse, tell the truth.

Core concept

A fabricated reason that hides the true motive.

Common phrases

  • buscar un pretexto

    look for an excuse

  • poner un pretexto

    make an excuse

  • usar un pretexto

    use an excuse

Similar words

excusa: States a reason offered to avoid blame or responsibility, often defensive.
motivo: States a neutral cause or justification for doing something.

Definition in Spanish

Excusa o justificación fingida que se da para no cumplir una obligación o para ocultar la verdadera causa.

Word origin

From Latin praetextum (prae- 'before' + texere 'to weave'), via Old French pretexte, originally referring to a woven cover and later to an invented or put-up reason.

Usage tips

  • Pretexto usually implies a deliberate, often dishonest reason, so it commonly functions as an accusation and motivo or razón is used when a neutral or genuine reason is meant.

Other meanings

  • pretextnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • pretextarmake up an excuseverb
  • pretextualpretextualadjective

Word lists with this word