Excusable: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：forgivable (excusable)

excusable 🔊

/ɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

adj.

It means something that is not too bad and can be forgiven, especially when there is a good reason for it.

Illustration of excusable meaning: a comforting hand gesture showing forgiveness and understanding in a warm home setting.

forgivable 🔊

➕

/fərˈɡɪvəbəl/

adj.

It describes something that can be forgiven or overlooked, typically when there is a reasonable justification.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'excusare' (to free from blame), with prefix 'ex-' (out) + root 'causa' (blame) + suffix '-able' (able to be).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Excuse' + 'able' – something you are able to excuse or forgive.

📖 Example

Although arriving late is never good, your reason-helping an elderly neighbor-makes it excusable this time. 🔊 Although being late is generally unacceptable, your valid reason makes it forgivable in this instance.

🔗 Collocations

excusable error – a mistake that can be forgiven

excusable delay – a postponement that is pardonable

excusable absence – an absence that is justifiable

🔄 Synonyms

forgivable (adj.) – able to be forgiven

pardonable (adj.) – deserving pardon

justifiable (adj.) – having a valid reason

🚫 Antonyms

inexcusable (adj.) – cannot be forgiven or justified

unforgivable (adj.) – not able to be forgiven

🌱 Derivatives

excuse (v./n.) – to forgive or a reason for forgiveness

excusably (adv.) – in a forgivable manner

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'excusare', meaning to free from blame. Historically used in legal and religious contexts to denote minor offenses that can be pardoned due to valid reasons.