Langimage
English

excuses

|ex/cus/es|

B1

/ɪkˈskjuːsɪz/

(excuse)

justification or forgiveness

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleAdverb
excuseexcusesexcusesexcusedexcusedexcusingexcusably
Etymology
Etymology Information

'excuse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'excusare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'causa' meant 'cause or reason.'

Historical Evolution

'excusare' transformed into the Old French word 'excuser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'excuse' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to free from blame,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to justify or explain away a fault.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

reasons or explanations given to justify a fault or offense.

He always has excuses for being late.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to seek to lessen the blame attaching to a fault or offense.

She excuses her behavior by saying she was tired.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39