excuse

(eg. hindu, literature, explanation )

excuse  /ɪks ˈkjus/ ? Meaning of "excuse"

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Definition(s):

  1. (n) a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
  2. (n) a note explaining an absence
  3. (n) a poor example
  4. (v) accept an excuse for
  5. (v) grant exemption or release to
  6. (v) serve as a reason or cause or justification of
  7. (v) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
  8. (v) ask for permission to be released from an engagement
  9. (v) excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with

Synonym(s)

alibi, exculpation, self-justification, condone, explain, exempt

Derived Word(s)

excuser

Usage(s):

  1. That the job was a small one not requiring a full-bore investigation is no excuse.
  2. The couple demands from grantees the same relentless focus on results expected of Microsoft employees and takes away the classic excuse for failure: not enough money.
  3. It took him a couple days to think of that excuse.

Quotes

  1. "I think those statements are wildly inaccurate, and there's no excuse for them," Mr. McCain said from Kabul on the ABC News program "This Week." "I believe we have to win here. I believe in freedom. But the fact is that I think that Mr....
    on Jul 4, 2010 By: John McCain Source: New York Times

  2. "I very deeply regret the situation and the embarrassment caused," Ferguson said in a statement. "It is true that my financial situation is under stress. However, that is no excuse for a serious lapse in judgment and I am very sorry that this...
    on May 25, 2010 By: Sarah Ferguson Source: Vancouver Sun

  3. "While Alex deserves credit for publicly confronting the issue, there is no valid excuse for using such substances and those who use them have shamed the game," Selig said. "What Alex did was wrong and he will have to live with the damage he...
    on Feb 12, 2009 By: Bud Selig Source: Los Angeles Times

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