beg-pardon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Mid-to-HighFormal to semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “beg-pardon” mean?
A formula used to ask someone to repeat what they have said because one did not hear or understand it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formula used to ask someone to repeat what they have said because one did not hear or understand it.
An exclamation of mild apology, surprise, or disbelief. Also used as a polite but forceful challenge (e.g., 'I beg your pardon?') implying offense has been taken.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'pardon?' alone is common. In American English, 'excuse me?' or 'sorry?' are more frequent. The full 'I beg your pardon' is quite formal in AmE.
Connotations
In BrE, can sound slightly posh or old-fashioned; in AmE, often perceived as very formal or affected.
Frequency
More frequent in British English, especially among older or middle/upper-class speakers. Less common in casual American speech.
Grammar
How to Use “beg-pardon” in a Sentence
I beg your pardon.Beg pardon?I beg your pardon for [noun/gerund].I beg your pardon, but [sentence].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beg-pardon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I must beg pardon for my tardiness.
- She begged pardon before offering a contrary opinion.
American English
- I beg your pardon for the interruption.
- He begged pardon, explaining he hadn't caught the name.
adverb
British English
- He spoke beg-pardon, unsure if he had offended.
- She added, beg-pardon, that the figures might be wrong.
American English
- 'That is incorrect,' he said, beg-pardon.
- She whispered beg-pardon, not wanting to cause a scene.
adjective
British English
- He gave a beg-pardon look before continuing.
- A beg-pardon tone is advisable when correcting the professor.
American English
- She had a beg-pardon expression on her face.
- His beg-pardon attitude smoothed over the awkward moment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in casual business; may be used in formal meetings or written correspondence to politely interject or apologise.
Academic
Can be used in formal lectures or discussions to request clarification.
Everyday
Used in situations requiring politeness, especially with strangers or elders. The short 'Pardon?' is more common.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beg-pardon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beg-pardon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beg-pardon”
- Using 'I beg your pardon' to mean simply 'excuse me' (e.g., to pass by someone) – it's too strong for that.
- Saying 'Beg your pardon' without 'I' can sound brusque.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally polite. However, said with a sharp, high intonation ('I beg your pardon?!'), it can be a rebuke, implying the other person has said something improper.
'Pardon?' (or 'Pardon me?') is a shorter, slightly more casual contraction of the full phrase. 'I beg your pardon' is more formal and emphatic.
It is considered somewhat formal and is used less by younger generations in casual speech, especially in American English. It remains current in polite or formal British contexts.
Yes, primarily in dialogue in novels or plays to convey character speech. It is rarely used in formal prose except in set phrases like 'I beg to differ'.
A formula used to ask someone to repeat what they have said because one did not hear or understand it.
Beg-pardon is usually formal to semi-formal in register.
Beg-pardon: in British English it is pronounced /aɪ ˌbeɡ jə ˈpɑː.dən/, and in American English it is pronounced /aɪ ˌbeɡ jər ˈpɑːr.dən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beg pardon? (as a standalone)”
- “I beg to differ (related, but different meaning).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEGgar asking a LORD for PARDON (forgiveness) and saying, 'I beg your pardon?' to ask him to repeat his sentence because the street is noisy.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A GIFT: When you don't hear, you 'beg' for the gift of the words to be given again.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is 'I beg your pardon?' MOST likely to indicate offense?