Excuse
Noun, Verb
UK
/ɪkˈskjuːs/
US
/ɪkˈskjuːs/
Level: Easy - A1 (Beginner)
Definition
(n) : A reason or explanation for a mistake or behaviour.
(v) : To forgive or allow, or give a reason for something.
(v) : To forgive or allow, or give a reason for something.
Example
"(n) : That was a weak excuse."
"(n) : He gave an excuse for being late to the meeting because of traffic."
"(v) : Please excuse my mistake; I didn’t mean to break the vase."
Explanation
An excuse is a reason or explanation (either true or made up) people give for their actions, mistakes, or behaviour. For example, if someone is late, they might say, “I’m sorry, I was stuck in traffic” as an excuse. “Excuse” can also mean asking for forgiveness politely, like saying, “Excuse me” when interrupting someone. As a verb, it means to forgive or allow something; for example, “Please excuse my mistake”, or to give a reason for something, like “He excused being late because of traffic”. Excuses help explain, defend, or say sorry for actions in daily life.