excuse

nounreason, explanation

verbforgive, absolve; justify

Word Origin & History

early 13c., "attempt to clear (someone) from blame," from Old French escuser (12c., Modern French excuser) "apologize, make excuses; pardon, exonerate," from Latin excusare "excuse, make an excuse for, release from a charge," from ex- "out, away" (see ex-) + causa "accusation, legal action" (see cause).

Meaning "to obtain exemption or release" is from mid-15c.; that of "to accept another's plea of excuse" is from early 14c. Excuse me as a mild apology or statement of polite disagreement is from c.1600.

Example Sentences for excuse

I'm so agitated by recent events, that, that—indeed you must excuse me.

Excuse me, my dear friend, for these grave soliloquies, as I may call them.

Excuse me, my dear, I never was thus particular before; no, not to you.

He has kindly furnished us with an excuse for being so long together, said she.

Excuse me, Mr. Vavasor, but how do you know I am not a professional singer?

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Synonyms for excuse

noun reason, explanation

Antonyms for excuse

permanent

excuse

Synonyms for excuse

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More words related to excuse

absolve

absolved

acquit

acquitted

alibi

apologia

excuse

Synonyms for excuse

Antonyms for excuse

More words related to excuse

.css-1unrqcp{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}absolve

absolved

acquit

acquitted

alibi

apologia

absolve