excuse Definition
- 1a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense
- 2a polite expression used to indicate the reason for not being able to do something
Using excuse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "excuse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I can't come to the party tonight, I have to work. That's my excuse.
Example
He made up an excuse for being late.
Example
She had no excuse for her bad behavior.
Example
I hope you'll excuse my mistake.
excuse Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for excuse
Antonyms for excuse
Idioms Using excuse
Example
He always tries to find an excuse for why he didn't do his homework.
Example
He had no excuse for missing the deadline.
to give a reason or explanation that is not true in order to justify one's actions or behavior
Example
She used the excuse of being sick to get out of going to the party.
Phrases with excuse
make excuses
to give reasons or explanations to justify one's actions or behavior
Example
He always makes excuses for his mistakes instead of taking responsibility.
Example
Excuse me, could you please repeat what you just said?
Example
There is no excuse for cheating on an exam.
Origins of excuse
from Old French 'excuser', meaning 'to apologize'
Summary: excuse in Brief
The term 'excuse' [ɪkˈskjuːz] refers to a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense, or a polite expression used to indicate the reason for not being able to do something. It can be used in phrases like 'make excuses,' and idioms like 'have no excuse,' denoting a lack of justification. 'Excuse me' is a polite phrase used to get someone's attention or to apologize for an interruption.