excuse

[ɪkˈskjuːz]

excuse Definition

• 1. a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense
• 2. a 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

• justification
• reason
• defense
• apology
• explanation

Antonyms for excuse

• accusation
• blame
• criticism

Idioms Using excuse

• find an excuse

  to try to justify or explain one's actions or behavior

  Example

  He always tries to find an excuse for why he didn't do his homework.

• have no excuse

  to have no acceptable reason or justification for something

  Example

  He had no excuse for missing the deadline.

• use an excuse

  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.

• excuse me

  a polite phrase used to get someone's attention or to apologize for an interruption

  Example

  Excuse me, could you please repeat what you just said?

• no excuse

  a situation where there is no acceptable reason or justification for something

  Example

  There is no excuse for cheating on an exam.

Origins of excuse

from Old French 'excuser', meaning 'to apologize'

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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.