prétexte
pretext, excuse
noun preh-TEKST Less Common
Origin: Latin praetextum (outward show)
Usage Note
prétexte is almost always used with sous in the phrase sous prétexte de/que meaning 'on the pretext of / claiming that'. It implies the reason given is not the real one. Do not confuse with excuse (f), which can be a genuine apology.
Examples
"Il est parti sous prétexte d'un rendez-vous."
Natural Translation
He left on the pretext of an appointment.
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