Words / A2

ik-SKYOOS/ɪkˈskjuːs/

An excuse (noun, /ɪkˈskjuːs/) is a reason for a mistake or delay: a good excuse, no excuse, make an excuse. The verb excuse (/ɪkˈskjuːz/) means forgive, or let someone leave. Accuse means say someone did wrong. Do not write excuse when you mean accuse, or exercise.

Meaning

A reason you give to explain a mistake or why you cannot do something.

Examples

• “He had no excuse for missing the morning bus.”
• “Traffic is a weak excuse if you left the hotel at noon.”
• “She made an excuse and stepped out of the noisy café.”

Good to know

a good excuse (noun /s/). Verb excuse /z/ = forgive / let leave. Mix-up: accuse.

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