Meaning & Definition of word "Excuse"

Excuse

/ɪkˈskjuːz/

1. A reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense.
- Example: She had a perfect excuse for being late; her car broke down.
2. A formal or polite way of saying that someone cannot do something.
- Example: He offered an excuse for his absence from the meeting.
3. A reason given to justify an action.
- Example: The teacher accepted their excuses for missing homework.

1. To attempt to lessen the blame attached to a fault or offense; to justify.
- Example: He tried to excuse his poor performance by saying he was unwell.
2. To regard as permissible; to pardon.
- Example: Please excuse my interruption during your speech.
3. To release someone from a duty or requirement.
- Example: She was excused from the task due to her illness.

Late Middle English: from Latin excusare, from ex- ‘out’ + causa ‘cause’.

make excuses:

to provide reasons for not doing something

excuse me:

a polite way to get someone's attention or to ask for forgiveness

excuse oneself:

to leave or withdraw politely from a situation

to take an excuse:

to accept a reason given for an error or fault

excuse my French:

a humorous phrase used before swearing or using bad language

justify:

to show or prove to be right or reasonable.

pardon:

to forgive or excuse an offense or mistake.

alibi:

a claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act occurred.

Meaning: B.S. excuse

Example Sentence: He gave a total B.S. excuse for not turning in his homework.

Meaning: to front

Example Sentence: Don't front; just admit you forgot.

Meaning: CYA (cover your ass) excuse

Example Sentence: She used a CYA excuse to avoid getting in trouble.