|
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.”
(excuse for) A poor or inadequate example of
“Blake decided to ignore Travis and focus on their poor excuse for a rib-eye roast.”
A need or reason to do or be something
A very poor or inadequate example of
An ambiguity or inadequacy in a set of rules that can be potentially exploited
(under color of) A semblance or pretext
A circumstance reducing the blame or severity associated with one's actions or wrongdoing
The action of evading something
A specious argument designed to defend an action or feeling
(formal) The forgiveness of sins
A fabricated story, especially one intended to deceive
The usefulness of benefit that something provides
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.”
To provide or serve as a satisfactory explanation for
To voluntarily disqualify, excuse, or remove oneself from a position or duty
To free from sin, guilt, or the burden or responsibility of misdeeds
To dismiss from duty or employment
To renege or change one's mind on a position, agreement or promise
To make (something bad) less severe or serious
|
