| 释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024pre•text /ˈpritɛkst/USA pronunciation n. [countable]- something put forward to conceal a true purpose;
an excuse:She came into my office on the pretext of borrowing a stapler.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024pre•text (prē′tekst),USA pronunciation n. - something that is put forward to conceal a true purpose or object;
an ostensible reason;
excuse:The leaders used the insults as a pretext to declare war. - the misleading appearance or behavior assumed with this intention:His many lavish compliments were a pretext for subtle mockery.
- Latin praetextum pretext, ornament, noun, nominal use of neuter past participle of praetexere to pretend, literally, to weave in front, hence, adorn. See pre-, texture
- 1505–15
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged subterfuge, evasion.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: pretext /ˈpriːtɛkst/ n - a fictitious reason given in order to conceal the real one
- a specious excuse; pretence
Etymology: 16th Century: from Latin praetextum disguise, from praetexere to weave in front, disguise; see texture |