French Conversation · Level 79
60 words
French word
subterfuge
Pronunciation
IPA/syptɛʁfyʒ/
Meaning
- masculine nounruse
Example
Il a trouvé un subterfuge pour ne pas venir au dîner.
He found a ruse to avoid coming to dinner.
More examples
Il a recouru à un subterfuge pour gagner du temps.
He resorted to a subterfuge to buy time.
Core concept
A cover story that lets someone slip around an obligation without stating the real reason.
Common phrases
recourir à un subterfuge
resort to a subterfuge
Similar words
prétexte: A stated reason used to justify an action or decision.
excuse: A justification offered to escape blame or reproach.
Definition in French
Moyen ou procédé destiné à dissimuler la vraie raison ou à éviter une obligation, présenté comme une excuse.
Word origin
The French noun comes from Latin subterfugium, which denoted an escape or evasive device and was formed from subter and fugere, 'to flee'.
Usage tips
- Subterfuge is fairly formal and often negative, while prétexte is generally more neutral for an alleged reason.