excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.

EXCUSE definition: 1. to forgive someone or something: 2. to allow someone not to do or attend something when they…. Learn more.

EXCUSE definition: to regard or judge with forgiveness or indulgence; pardon or forgive; overlook (a fault, error, etc.). See examples of excuse used in a sentence.

People often say Excuse me as a way of politely apologizing for something they are going to do. For example, you can say Excuse me when you are interrupting someone, when you want to …

to release from an obligation, responsibility, or duty: to be excused from jury duty. an instance or act of excusing: I don't want to hear any more of your excuses. a ground or reason for …

Feb 10, 2026 · excuse (countable and uncountable, plural excuses) (countable, uncountable) An explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment; a plea offered in …

To furnish or serve as an excuse or apology for; serve as justification for; justify. To pardon, as a fault; forgive entirely, or overlook as venial or not blameworthy.

An excuse is a reason which you give in order to explain why something has been done or has not been done, or in order to avoid doing something.

Definition of excuse noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. a reason, either true or invented, that you give to explain or defend your behaviour. Late again! What's your excuse …

Jul 8, 2025 · Excuse oneself: To ask permission to leave, or to offer a reason for one's actions. An excuse to: A pretext or reason for doing something, often something one wants to do anyway.