excuse
/ɪksˈkjus/ noun A1- An explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment; a plea offered in extenuation of a fault. · Tell me why you were late – and I don't want to hear any excuses!· I had to make an excuse for being late to the meeting.
- A defense to a criminal or civil charge wherein the accused party admits to doing acts for which legal consequences would normally be appropriate, but asserts that special circumstances relieve that party of culpability for having done those acts.
- An example of something that is substandard or of inferior quality. · That thing is a poor excuse for a gingerbread man. Hasn't anyone taught you how to bake?· He's a sorry excuse for a doctor.
Plural excuses
From the library
You will excuse these remarks from one who, though a mere connoisseur of crime, is still rather older and perhaps more experienced than yourself.”
He took his chance, intending, no doubt, to make some excuse if he met anyone.
“I really must ask you to excuse me, M.
“I must again excuse myself, M.
Other matches
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