excuse me
English meaning: Excuse me
Definition
A polite phrase used to get attention, apologize, or pass by someone.
Example
“Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest train station?”
Another example: “Excuse me, but I think you've taken my seat by mistake.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A polite formula used to get someone's attention, to ask them to move aside, or to apologize for a minor breach (a cough, an interruption); neutral and very common in everyday speech.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin "excusare," to free from a charge, via Old French.
Synonyms
- pardon me
- sorry
- i beg your pardon
- forgive me
Related Words
- apology
- politeness
- attention
- interrupt
- pardon
- manners
Common Collocations
- excuse me, please
- excuse me for
- excuse me a moment
- oh, excuse me
- excuse me, but
- excuse me, sir
Word Forms
excuse (v/n); excused; excusing; excusable (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B