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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
excuse verb (excused, excusing) 1 to pardon or forgive someone. 2 to offer justification for (a wrongdoing). 3 to free someone from (an obligation or duty, etc). 4 to allow someone to leave a room, etc, eg in order to go to the lavatory. noun 1 an explanation for a wrongdoing, offered as an apology or justification. 2 derog a very poor example • You'll never sell this excuse for a painting! excusable adj. excusably adverb. excuse me an expression of apology, or one used to attract attention. excuse oneself to leave after apologizing or asking permission. make one's excuses to apologize for leaving or for not attending.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: from Latin excusare, from ex from + causa cause or accusation.
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The Chambers Dictionary (13th edition)
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The Chambers Thesaurus
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Chambers Biographical Dictionary
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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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