excuse
/ɛk.syz/a reason or explanation offered to justify or defend something, often when it is not entirely truthful
Elle a inventé une excuse pour ne pas venir à la réunion.
She made up an excuse not to come to the meeting.
Often used when the reason is questionable or insincere.
a polite way of asking someone to leave or stop doing something
Je vous excuse de cette interruption.
I excuse you for this interruption.
Used in formal or polite contexts to avoid direct confrontation.
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💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
In formal contexts, 'excuse' is often used to politely ask someone to stop or leave, while in informal contexts, it can imply a questionable reason.
⚡Gold Rule
Politeness
In French, 'excuse' is often used to soften a request or criticism, maintaining politeness.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'excusa', feminine past participle of 'excusare' (to excuse), from 'ex-' (out) + 'cusare' (to absolve).
📝Usage Notes
In French, 'excuse' can be used both as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means 'to excuse' (e.g., 'Je vous excuse' = 'I excuse you').