To forgive (someone) for a fault or offense
“I shall suggest that we can excuse this fellow for a one-time, and out-of-character, transgression.”
To disregard as unimportant or insignificant
“But what is harder to excuse than the folly of youth is the sight of the game's senior figures acting like petulant, paranoid brats.”
To provide an acceptable explanation for
“Lou's written statement was thus dismissed as a hypocritical attempt to excuse his actions.”
To put up with
“To excuse such abhorrent behavior because he can sing and dance is an indication of how society has misplaced its priorities.”
To relieve of an imputation by apology or defense
“When she begged him to excuse her from serving in the movement, he staunchly refused her request.”
The causes, explanations, or justifications for an action or event
Plural for a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense
“Cynics advanced the view that self-defense was merely an excuse for the overreaction.”
Related Words and Phrases
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