English Lexicon

Excuse

/ɪkˈskjuːz/
nounverbCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #850 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense.

    "She had a valid excuse for being late to the meeting."
As verb
  1. 1

    To release someone from a duty or requirement.

    "The teacher excused the students from homework due to the snowstorm."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'excusare' meaning to free from a charge or excuse, combining 'ex-' (out, from) and 'causa' (cause, lawsuit). It entered Middle English via Old French 'excuser' during the 14th century, evolving from a legal term for exoneration into a general term for offering a reason or justification for an action.

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