cover

[hela]

Good evening,

I'd like to know if we can replace the word "pretext" by "cover" in the following context?

"He gave this reason as a mere pretext (= cover, excuse, pretence ?) not to do his homework."

"The apparent subject of the quarrel was a mere pretext (= cover ?)"

Many thanks,
Hela

[Pete]

Good evening,

I'd like to know if we can replace the word "pretext" by "cover" in the following context?

"He gave this reason as a mere pretext (= cover, excuse, pretence ?) not to do his homework."

"The apparent subject of the quarrel was a mere pretext (= cover ?)"

Many thanks,
Hela
These all have essentially the same meaning.

I couldn't find any distinction in the dictionary, but to me, there's a very slight difference in emphasis. I'm not sure if others have the same feeling about the terms or not.

I would tend to use cover if my emphasis was to avoid giving my real reason, whereas I would use pretense if my emphasis was to give what sounded like a good (even though false) reason. I think pretext is neutral in that regard, but it emphasizes the dishonesty of the act.