pretesto — meaning in English

English meaning

• excuse verb To forgive someone, or overlook a minor fault.
• loophole noun A gap, ambiguity, or technicality in a law or rule that lets someone avoid its intended effect.
• pretext noun A false reason given to hide the real motive behind an action.

Senses

pretesto is used for these senses in English:

• cop-out (slang) An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
• excuse (countable, uncountable) An explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment; a plea offered in extenuation of a fault.
• loophole (figurative) A method of escape, especially an ambiguity or exception in a rule or law that can be exploited in order to avoid its effect.
• pretext A false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.

excuse — full definition

1. verb To forgive someone, or overlook a minor fault.
2. verb To release someone from a duty or allow them to leave.
3. noun A reason given to justify a mistake or avoid blame.

loophole — full definition

1. noun A gap, ambiguity, or technicality in a law or rule that lets someone avoid its intended effect.
2. noun A narrow slit in a wall, originally used for shooting through or letting in light.

Related Italian words