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excuse

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More words related to excuse

verb. make allowance for

noun. explanation, justification

verb. dismiss from responsibility

verb. exempt from responsibility

noun. escape, avoidance

noun. instance, model

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Word Origin & History

excuse early 13c., "to clear (someone) from blame," from O.Fr. escuser, from L. excusare "release from a charge," from ex- "out, away" + 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. The noun sense of "that which is offered as a reason for being excused" is recorded from c.1500. 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.