excusa

/ekˈsu.sa/
nounBeginner
formalinformal

A reason or explanation given to justify or defend one's actions, often when they are questionable or inconvenient.

No tengo una buena excusa para llegar tarde.

I don't have a good excuse for being late.

Inventó una excusa para no asistir a la reunión.

He made up an excuse not to attend the meeting.

💡

The word 'excusa' is often used to describe a reason that may not be entirely truthful or genuine.

Collocations

dar una excusato give an excuseinventar una excusato make up an excusetener una excusato have an excuse

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

sin excusaphrase
without excuse
bajo excusaphrase
under the pretext of

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Excusa' is often used in everyday conversations to explain or justify actions, but be aware that it can sometimes imply dishonesty.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The tone in which 'excusa' is used can change its meaning. In formal contexts, it may be neutral, while in informal settings, it can imply insincerity.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'excusa', meaning 'defense' or 'apology'.

📝Usage Notes

In Spanish, 'excusa' can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying that the reason given is not entirely honest or valid.

Word Breakdown

ex-
out of
prefix
+
-cusa
defense
root
Diccionario Español-Inglés