Reading Theme:
Excuse Me: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：Pardon me (excuse me)
excuse me
/ɪkˈskjuːz miː/
phr.
Something you say before interrupting someone or getting their attention.
Pardon me
➕
/ˈpɑːrdən miː/
phr.
A polite phrase used before interrupting someone or trying to get their attention, especially when you need help or information.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'excusare' (ex- 'out' + causa 'cause, charge'), meaning 'to free from blame'; combined with Old English 'me'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine you accidentally bump someone and quickly say 'Excuse me' – like a verbal eraser to excuse your mistake.
📖 Example
Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest subway station?
Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest subway station?
🔗 Collocations
excuse me for a moment – A polite way to temporarily leave someone's presence.
excuse me, but – Used to politely introduce a question or objection.
excuse me, sir/madam – A formal way to address a stranger politely.
🔄 Synonyms
pardon me (phr.) – A slightly more formal alternative to 'excuse me' for getting attention.
sorry to bother you (phr.) – A polite apology used before an interruption.
I beg your pardon (phr.) – A very formal way to get someone's attention or apologize.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
excusable (adj.) – Capable of being forgiven or justified.
inexcusable (adj.) – Too bad to be justified or forgiven.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating in 14th-century English polite requests, 'excuse me' became the standard formula for interrupting, apologizing, or passing in social interactions, reflecting Western politeness norms.
Meaning 2：I'm sorry (excuse me)
excuse me
/ɪkˈskjuːz miː/
phr.
Used to apologize for a minor mistake or accident, like bumping into someone slightly.
I'm sorry
➕
/aɪm ˈsɒri/
phr.
Used to apologize for a minor mistake or accident, such as bumping into someone slightly or making a small blunder.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Oh, excuse me! I didn't see you there when I turned around.
Oh, excuse me! I didn't see you there when I turned around.
🔗 Collocations
excuse me for being late – A polite apology for arriving after the expected time.
excuse my mistake – A phrase acknowledging an error and asking forgiveness.
🔄 Synonyms
sorry (adj.) – A simple, common apology expression.
my apologies (phr.) – A more formal way to apologize.
pardon (interj.) – A short, polite apology, especially in British English.
🚫 Antonyms
watch it! (phr.) – An angry or aggressive way to tell someone they were clumsy.
no problem (phr.) – The opposite of an apology – a reassurance that no harm was done.
Meaning 3：Let me pass (excuse me)
excuse me
/ɪkˈskjuːz miː/
phr.
Used when you need to pass by someone or leave a conversation politely.
Let me pass
➕
/lɛt miː pæs/
phr.
A polite expression used when you need to pass by someone in a narrow space or leave a conversation, asking for permission to move.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
"Excuse me, I need to get to the other side of the room," he said as he gently squeezed through the crowd.
"Excuse me, I need to get to the other side of the room," he said as he gently squeezed through the crowd.
🔗 Collocations
excuse me, coming through – A phrase used while moving through a crowd to alert others.
excuse me, may I pass? – A formal request to move past someone.
excuse me for a second – Asking to briefly leave a conversation or spot.
🔄 Synonyms
pardon me (phr.) – Can be used to ask someone to move aside.
coming through (phr.) – An informal way to alert people you are walking past.
let me by (phr.) – A direct but still polite request to be given space.
🚫 Antonyms
get out of my way (phr.) – A rude and aggressive demand to move.
block the way (phr.) – The opposite action – preventing someone from passing.
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