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| ex·cuse [ ik skyz ] |
verb (past and past participle ex·cused, present participle ex·cus·ing, 3rd person present singular ex·cus·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb forgive something: to release somebody from blame or criticism for a mistake or wrongdoing
  excuse their tardiness
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2. transitive verb overlook something: to make allowances for somebody or something
Please excuse my spelling.
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3. transitive verb release somebody from obligation: to release somebody from an obligation or responsibility
was excused from gym class because of a sprained ankle
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4. transitive verb justify something: to provide a reason or explanation for somebody's behavior that makes it appear more acceptable or less offensive
That doesn't excuse the way he acted last night.
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5. transitive verb allow somebody to leave: to allow somebody to leave, or say politely that somebody should leave
asked if he could be excused
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6. excuse yourself [ ik skyz ] vr apologize for leaving: to leave with a polite apology or explanation
excused herself and left the room
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noun (plural ex·cus·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. justification: a reason or explanation, not necessarily true, given in order to make something appear more acceptable or less offensive
There can be no excuse for laziness.
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2. false reason: a false reason that enables somebody to do something he or she wants to do or avoid something he or she does not want to do
the perfect excuse to do nothing
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3. bad example: an inept performer of a particular action or task
(
informal
)
a poor excuse for a cook
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4. note justifying absence: a note from a doctor or parent confirming that somebody is not well enough to go to work or attend school
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| [15th century. Via French< Latin excusare "remove from accusation" < causa "accusation"] |
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| ex·cus·a·ble adjective |
| ex·cus·a·ble·ness noun |
| ex·cus·a·bly adverb |
| ex·cus·er noun |
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excuse me
1. used to attract attention politely, e.g. when asking somebody to move aside or when interrupting somebody
2. used to apologize for doing something rude or embarrassing, e.g. belching
3. used to indicate politely that you disagree with something or think that it is incorrect
4. used to ask somebody to repeat what he or she has just said because you did not hear it properly or did not understand it
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