excuse

verb / noun

UK /ɪkˈskjuːz/

US /ɪkˈskjuːz/

To say sorry for something you did wrong.

Please excuse me for being late to class.

SYNONYMS

forgive pardon overlook justify

RELATED WORDS

apology reason alibi forgiveness

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A reason you give to explain why you did something.

He made an excuse for missing the meeting.

3. To let someone leave a place or activity.

The teacher excused her from the test.

4. A polite way to get someone's attention or ask to pass.

Excuse me, could you tell me the time?