WordGarden.ioexcusable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkskjˈuːsəbəl/
US
- /ɪkˈskjuzəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
able to be forgiven or justified
legally justifiable or pardonable
Beyond the definition
Something excusable isn't right, exactly, but it is understandable enough that you may not be too upset about it. Imagine a child accidentally breaking a vase. They should not have broken it, but their age and lack of coordination make the mistake easier to forgive. It does not mean the behavior is praised; it simply means the person is not fully blamed.
The key to "excusable" is context. A lie told to protect someone's feelings might be excusable, while a lie told for personal gain almost certainly is not. Think of it as a middle area. Some things are clearly wrong, others are clearly right, and many fall somewhere in between, where a good reason can soften the blame. You might say, "His tardiness was excusable given the terrible traffic," meaning the traffic gave a fair reason for his lateness.
"Excusable" describes something that, while perhaps not ideal or desirable, is understandable enough to be overlooked or forgiven. It implies a reason or justification exists that softens the blame or criticism. It is more than just "allowable"; it suggests there is an explanation that makes the action or behavior less reprehensible.
Think of a friend who forgets your birthday. While disappointing, if they have been dealing with a family emergency, their forgetfulness might be excusable. They still should remember, but the circumstances offer a valid reason for the oversight.
However, "excusable" isn't a free pass. It doesn't mean something is good or correct. It simply means there are mitigating factors that lessen the severity of the offense. A mistake made due to inexperience might be excusable, but repeated carelessness is unlikely to be.
You'll often see "excusable" used when discussing errors in judgment, minor offenses, or situations where someone acted under duress. For example: "His outburst was excusable considering the provocation," or "The delay was excusable given the unforeseen circumstances." It is a word that acknowledges imperfection while allowing for understanding and perhaps even forgiveness.
Examples
- 1
Minor lapse
Forgetting one name at a big party is probably excusable.
- 2
Transportation delay
His lateness was excusable because the train had broken down.
- 3
Beginner mistake
That kind of mistake is more excusable in a beginner than in an experienced doctor.
- 4
Tired reaction
Given how little sleep she'd had, her bad mood was understandable, if not entirely excusable.
- Phraseif not entirely excusable
partly understandable, but still somewhat wrong
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Harmful lying
Lying to protect yourself is one thing; lying to hurt someone is much less excusable.
See also
Similar
- forgivable
- pardonable
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- excusable mistake
- excusable delay
- hardly excusable
Word family
- excuse
- excusably
Explore
- mitigating circumstances
- accountability
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- excusableadjective