apology — See apology, excuse, pardon … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
excuse — See apology, excuse, pardon … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
pardon — See apology, excuse, pardon … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
excuse — vb Excuse, condone, pardon, forgive, remit are comparable when meaning not to exact punishment or redress for (an offense) or from (an offender). In polite use excuse, pardon, and forgive usually suggest a hope that one is not annoyed. Both… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
Excuse — Ex*cuse , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Excused}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Excusing}.] [OE. escusen, cusen, OF. escuser, excuser, F. excuser, fr. L. excusare; ex out + causa cause, causari to plead. See {Cause}.] 1. To free from accusation, or the imputation of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
excuse me — An expression used as an apology for any slight or apparent impropriety, esp as a request to pass, leave, interrupt or catch someone s attention or for contradicting a statement that has been made, or (US) when correcting oneself • • • Main Entry … Useful english dictionary
apology — apology, apologia, excuse, plea, pretext, alibi denote the reason or reasons offered in explanation or defense of something (as an act, a policy, or a view). In general use apology implies that one has been, at least apparently, in the wrong; it… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
pardon — [pärd′ n] vt. [ME pardonen < OFr pardoner < LL perdonare < L per , through, quite (see PER ) + donare, to give: see DATE1] 1. to release (a person) from further punishment for a crime 2. to cancel or not exact penalty for (an offense);… … English World dictionary
Pardon my French — or Excuse my French is a common English language phrase ostensibly disguising profanity as French. The phrase is uttered in an attempt to excuse the user of profanity or curses in the presence of those offended by it under the pretense of the… … Wikipedia
excuse — [ek skyo͞oz′, ikskyo͞oz′; ] for n. [, ekskyo͞os′] vt. excused, excusing [ME excusen < OFr escuser & L excusare, to free from a charge < L ex , from + causa, a charge: see CAUSE] 1. to try to free (a person) of blame; seek to exonerate 2. to … English World dictionary