excuse · verb T /ɪkˈskjuːz/Full view
Nouns: excuse
Adjectives: excusable, inexcusable
Verbs: excuse
Adverbs: inexcusably
Excuse me (ATTRACTING ATTENTION)
A1 used to politely get someone's attention
Dictionary example:

Excuse me, does this bus go to Oxford Street?

Learner example:

While I was waiting for my fast food, someone knocked my shoulder. I turn[ed and saw] a girl about my age. I asked: - Excuse me, did you call me? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Vietnamese)

Excuse me (SAYING SORRY)
A2 used to say you are sorry for something that you do without intending to
Dictionary example:

Oh, excuse me, did I take your seat?

Learner example:

Excuse me, I'm going to miss the English class tomorrow. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

Excuse me (PLEASE REPEAT)
A2 used to politely ask someone to repeat something they said because you have not heard it
Dictionary example:

"Did you see the movie?" "Excuse me? What was that?" "I asked if you saw the movie."

Learner example:

I asked: Excuse me, did you call me? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Vietnamese)

excuse (FORGIVE)
B1 to forgive someone
Dictionary examples:

Please excuse me for arriving late - my flight was delayed.

Please excuse my appearance - I've been painting.

Learner example:

I hope you'll excuse me now, I have to do my homework. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swedish)

excuse (EXPLAIN)
B2 to be given as a reason for someone's bad behavior, so that it does not seem so bad
Dictionary example:

Nothing can excuse that sort of behavior.

Learner example:

Their main goals are to save the animals and/or to show the animals to the public in order to make us take an interest in the animals and in ecology. I think that these purposes can excuse [the fact] that the animals are locked up, if they [have] enough space and [are] treated very well. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

excuse · noun C /ɪkˈskjuːs/
Nouns: excuse
Adjectives: excusable, inexcusable
Verbs: excuse
Adverbs: inexcusably
excuse (REASON)
B1 a reason that you give to explain why you did something wrong
Dictionary examples:

What was his excuse for being late?

He'd better have a good excuse for not being here!

I've never known him to miss a meeting - I'm sure he'll have an excuse.

There's no excuse for that sort of behavior.

Learner example:

I had no excuse to give [for] being late with this report. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

excuse (FALSE REASON)
B1 a false reason that you give to explain why you do something
Dictionary examples:

Nick was just looking for an excuse to call her.

He'll give any excuse for taking a day off.

Learner example:

Also shopping for clothes is an excuse to go out with girls!! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

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