B2noun1K

Excuse

UK /["/ɪkˈskjuːs/"]/US /["/ɪkˈskjuːs/"]/

Definition

a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour

In simple words: A reason you give to explain bad behavior or to get out of something.

Examples

  • She made an excuse for being late to the meeting.
  • He always has an excuse when he fails to deliver his work.
  • Please excuse my absence from the class yesterday.
  • Excuse me, do you have the time?
  • I need to excuse myself; I have another appointment to attend.

Usage notes

Use 'excuse' when you need to explain why you did something wrong or when you want permission to not do something. It's neutral but can sound insincere in some contexts.

Grammar pattern

excuse + object

Memory hint

Think of 'excuse' as 'X-Cuse'—an X mark to cancel a mistake.

Collocations

  • perfect
  • wonderful
  • excellent
  • have
  • give
  • make
  • excuse about
  • excuse for
  • there is no excuse for…
  • perfect
  • wonderful
  • excellent
  • have
  • give
  • make
  • excuse about
  • excuse for
  • there is no excuse for…
  • lousy
  • miserable
  • pathetic
  • excuse for

Synonyms

  • justification
  • reason
  • explanation
  • plea

Antonyms

  • blame
  • accusation

Common mistakes

  • Using 'excuse' instead of 'excuse me' for polite interruptions.
  • Confusing 'excuse' with 'apology', thinking they mean the same.
  • Using 'excuse' without an object; it typically is followed by what you are excusing.