Prophasis, whether derived from 7rpo4alvw or 7rpO64q.t,7 means in the most general terms something that you show or say, an explanation that you offer for behaviour, giving the reason or the purpose.Herodotus paraphrases it by 1rp6oax7ia rov3 Xoyov,8 so that the irpoelement means "in front," plain for everyone to see and also a shield for your real actions or intentions. Your explanation may be true or false, reasonable or unreasonable, convincing or worthless, creditable or discreditable.9 It is frequently proper, however, to use the translation "excuse" or "pretext" because we most commonly offer explanations for our behaviour if it appears reprehensible or if we wish to conceal our true intentions or motives.