excuse me
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/ɪkˈskjuz mi/
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A polite expression used to interrupt, apologize, or ask for repetition.
Examples
Excuse me, but I think this is my seat.
Excuse me, is this the right bus?
Excuse me, could I get past?
Excuse me for arriving late.
He bumped her bag and said, "Excuse me."
Similar words
sorry?
sorry
pardon me
sorry
pardon?
pardon me
Meanings
Examples
Excuse me, is this the right bus?
Excuse me, could I get past?
Excuse me a moment, I need to take this call.
Excuse me, but I think this is my seat.
She said "Excuse me" as she walked between the chairs.
Examples
I stepped on your foot. Excuse me.
"Excuse me, I did not see you there."
He bumped her bag and said, "Excuse me."
Excuse me for arriving late.
"Was that your chair? Excuse me," she said.
Examples
"The train leaves at five." "Excuse me?"
Excuse me, could you say that again?
"Excuse me? I did not hear the number."
He asked "Excuse me?" when she spoke too softly.
Excuse me, did you say Monday or Tuesday?
Etymology
Excuse asks for forgiveness or allowance, and me names the speaker. Together they form a polite request for a moment of attention or pardon.
FAQ
Use it to get attention, pass someone, or politely interrupt.
Can excuse me be an apology?
Yes. It can apologize for a small accidental action.
What does excuse me mean as a question?
In North American English, it may ask someone to repeat what they said.
Yes. It is a common courteous expression.
Can I say excuse me before disagreeing?
Yes. It can soften a polite correction or disagreement.
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