excusable
/ɪkˈskjuːzəbl/
adjective
Origin
Latin
excusabilis — worthy of excuse
Overview
Meaning Now
- Capable of being forgiven or justified; warranting an excuse.
Literal older meaning
able to be excused
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
excusable
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word is rooted in the Latin 'causa', which originally referred to a legal case or judicial proceeding. To be 'excused' was to be released from a legal obligation or accusation. By the time the term entered English via Old French, it had broadened to encompass social or moral failings that could be overlooked.
Evolution
- Latin
excusare
“to release from a charge, to excuse”
Derived from ex- (out) + causa (reason, cause/legal case).
- Old French
excusable
“justifiable”
- Middle English
excusable
“pardonable”
Connections
Word parts
excus-
root
to excuse
-able
suffix
capable of being
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.