Word: Excuse

Pronunciation

/ɪkˈskjuːs/

Definitions

• Noun: A reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense; a plea offered in defense. For example: “She had a good excuse for being late.”

  • Also, it can refer to something that serves as a reason or justification for an action: “His tiredness was an excuse not to go out.”

• Verb: To forgive or pardon someone for a fault or offense, often after they have provided an explanation. For example: “I’ll have to excuse myself for interrupting.”

  • It can also mean to grant permission to leave or be absent from a situation: “May I be excused from class?”

• Interjection: Used to politely request forgiveness for an interruption, bodily function, or to ask permission to leave. For example: “Excuse me, could you tell me the time?”

Phrases

• “Make an excuse” means to come up with or present a reason for something, often to avoid doing something or to explain away a mistake.
• “Without excuse” implies there is no valid reason or justification for an action or situation.
• “Excuse me” is used to apologize for minor social infractions or to get someone’s attention.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Her headache was a poor excuse for missing work.”
• Verb: “The teacher excused the students early because of the storm.”
• Interjection: “Excuse me, do you know where the nearest post office is?”

Synonyms

• Justification
• Reason
• Pardon
• Apology
• Alibi (for a specific instance)
• Forgiveness
• Release (from a duty or obligation)