excuse
ɪkˈskjuːz (verb), ɪkˈskjuːs (noun)
verb, noun
Origin
Latin
excusare — to release from a charge, to justify
Overview
Meaning Now
- to attempt to lessen the blame attaching to a fault or offense; to seek to provide a justification for.
- a reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense.
Literal older meaning
to free from a charge or accusation
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
excusen
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originated in the legal sphere of Ancient Rome, where 'excusare' literally meant to state one's case to be released from a legal obligation (causa). Over time, it transitioned from a formal legal plea to a common interpersonal expression for social blunders.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
excusare
“to release from a charge or reason”
Formed from 'ex' (out/from) and 'causa' (reason/legal case).
- Old French
exkuser
“to absolve, to justify”
The basis for the Middle English borrowing.
- Middle English
excusen
“to offer an apology or plea”
Directly adopted into English vocabulary.
Connections
Word parts
ex-
prefix
out of, from
causa
root
reason, legal case
Related across languages
French
excuser
to excuse
Spanish
excusar
to excuse
Related words
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Related to excuse
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.