excuse me

/ˈɛkskjʊz miː/

Apologize for interruption or to get attention

Excuse me, could you pass the salt?

Polite way to interrupt and make a request

formalinformal

A polite expression used to apologize for interrupting, to get someone's attention, or to excuse oneself temporarily.

Excuse me, I need to leave for a minute.

Used to excuse oneself

Excuse me, sir, but this is my seat.

Used to politely assert something

Can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the tone and situation.

excuse me for askingPolite preface to a questionexcuse me for interruptingApology for cutting in

Express regret

Use 'excuse me' for polite interruptions or to draw attention in both formal and informal settings.

From Old French 'excuser', meaning to free from blame or obligation, combined with 'me' (subject).

Versatile phrase for various polite interruptions or excuses.

English Dictionary