excuse
//ɪkˈskjuːz//
Noun
excuseSingular
excusesPlural
1
A reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense
He gave a poor excuse for being late.
2
A reason put forward to conceal the real reason for an action; a pretext
He used work as an excuse to avoid the party.
3
A poor or inadequate example of something
This meal is an excuse for a dinner.
Verb
excuseInfinitive
excusePresent tense
excusedPast tense
excusedPast participle
excusingPresent participle
excusesThird-person singular
1
To forgive someone for a fault or offense
Please excuse my rudeness.
2
To justify or defend (a fault or offense)
He tried to excuse his rude behavior by saying he was tired.
3
To allow someone to leave or be absent from a place or duty
The teacher excused him from class early.