excuse
Translation
to forgive, to pardon, to allow to leave, to justify
Examples
Please excuse me for being late.
Please excuse me for being late.
The teacher excused him from class.
The teacher excused him from class.
Nothing can excuse that kind of behavior.
Nothing can excuse that kind of behaviour.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((for sth./-ing)) to forgive someone for something Please excuse me for being late.
((sb.)) ((from sth.)) to allow someone to not do something The doctor excused him from gym class.
Similar Words
Synonyms: forgive, pardon, overlook; Antonyms: blame, accuse
Etymology
From Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'causa' (cause, accusation). Literally 'to free from a charge'.
Memory Tips
Think 'EX-cause': to give a cause or reason to get 'out' of trouble or a duty.