excuse
B1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To provide a reason or justification for a fault, mistake, or absence; to release someone from a duty or requirement.
A reason or explanation given to justify a fault or absence; also, a polite expression used to interrupt, disagree, or apologize.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb: to explain or justify. As a noun: the explanation or justification itself. Can shift in nuance from neutral justification to a perceived poor or inadequate justification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Pronunciation differs (/ɪkˈskjuːz/ vs /ɪkˈskjuːs/ for verb; /ɪkˈskjuːs/ vs /ɪkˈskjuːs/ for noun). British English may use 'excuse me' more formally in some contexts. In American English, the phrase 'excuse me?' with rising intonation is very common to indicate not hearing something.
Connotations
Similar. The noun 'excuse' often carries a more negative connotation of a flimsy or insincere reason in both varieties.
Frequency
Both verb and noun forms are very high frequency. The phrase 'excuse me' is extremely common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
excuse somebody (for something/for doing something)excuse somethingexcuse somebody from (doing) somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “excuse my French”
- “no excuse for”
- “a poor excuse for something”
- “use as an excuse”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal communications for absences or delays: 'Please excuse my late reply.'
Academic
In formal writing, often as a noun referring to justification: 'This is not offered as an excuse, but as context.'
Everyday
Extremely common for polite interruptions, apologies, and explaining minor faults: 'Excuse me, could you pass the salt?'
Technical
Limited specific technical usage; appears in legal contexts regarding liability or responsibility.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you excuse me for a moment? I need to take this call.
- His workload does not excuse his rude behaviour.
- She was excused from jury duty due to her profession.
American English
- Please excuse the mess, we're renovating.
- Nothing excuses that kind of language.
- Can I be excused from the table?
adverb
British English
- (Non-existent. 'Excuse' does not function as an adverb.)
American English
- (Non-existent. 'Excuse' does not function as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Very rare; 'excuse' is not standardly used as an adjective. 'Excuse letter/note' is a noun-noun compound.)
American English
- (Very rare; 'excuse' is not standardly used as an adjective. 'Excuse letter/note' is a noun-noun compound.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Excuse me, where is the station?
- I was late. I have an excuse.
- She excused herself and left the room.
- He made a poor excuse for not finishing his homework.
- 'Excuse me, but I think you're mistaken,' she said politely.
- The teacher excused him from the test because he was ill.
- The minister's speech was just an excuse for a lack of concrete policy.
- Her stressful day did not excuse her snapping at colleagues.
- They were excused from the final project due to exemplary mid-term work.
- The defendant's lawyer tried to excuse his client's actions by citing extreme provocation.
- The documentary serves as a feeble excuse for journalism, relying on speculation over fact.
- He offered a convoluted excuse that only deepened our suspicion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EX-CUSE. You CUT (cuse) yourself from (ex-) blame or obligation.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTIFICATION IS A COVER/SHIELD (provides protection from blame), POLITENESS IS SPATIAL DISTANCE ('excuse me' creates verbal space).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'извинить' (to apologize). 'Excuse' is more about justification or permission. 'Извините' is closer to 'sorry'. 'Excuse me' for getting attention is 'простите' or 'извините'.
- The noun 'оправдание' is a good match for 'excuse' as a reason.
- Avoid direct translation of 'excuse my French' – it's an idiom for apologizing for swearing.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect pronunciation mix-up between verb and noun forms (though in AmE they are often homophones).
- Using 'excuse me' as a direct equivalent for 'sorry' in serious apologies.
- Misspelling as 'exscuse'.
- Overusing noun form to mean 'good reason' in positive contexts; it often implies a weak reason.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'excuse' used as a NOUN with a negative connotation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'excuse' is a reason given to justify or defend a fault. An 'apology' is an expression of regret for having committed that fault. You can give an excuse without apologizing, and you can apologize without giving an excuse.
It depends on context. 'Excuse me' is used for minor inconveniences, to get attention, or before an interruption. 'Sorry' is used after a mistake or more serious inconvenience. In British English, 'sorry' is used very frequently, sometimes where Americans might say 'excuse me'.
Traditionally, in British English, the verb ends with a /z/ sound (/ɪkˈskjuːz/) and the noun with an /s/ sound (/ɪkˈskjuːs/). In American English, the distinction is less observed, and both are often pronounced the same, like the noun form (/ɪkˈskjuːs/).
Rarely. As a noun, it inherently refers to a reason for a fault, so it often carries a negative or defensive nuance. A 'good excuse' is one that is acceptable or valid, but it is still for a negative event. The verb can be neutral (to excuse someone from a duty).