excusable - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
excusable Word Meanings
- justifiable or allowed under certain circumstances
- able to be forgiven or overlooked
- of a nature that can be excused
excusable Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
excusable Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪkˈskjuːzəbl/
US
/ɪkˈskjuːzəbl/
excusable Word Etymology
(a) Prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' + 'cusable' from Latin 'causabilis', meaning could be caused; (b) Originates from Latin 'excusabilis' → Old French 'excusable' → English. (c) Imagine a student in school being excused from class; the teacher says, ‘It's excusable because you were sick.’ This visual connects the idea of being permitted to escape obligations.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Excusable means something that can be justified or forgiven under particular circumstances. In everyday speech, you might call a late assignment excusable if you were sick or faced an emergency. It can describe a mistake that a reasonable person would understand or overlook, not a free pass for careless behavior. In law or policy, an absence might be excusable with a doctor's note. The word stresses permission rather than outright approval, and it often appears in phrases like 'excusable delay' or 'excusable inconvenience.' Learners should distinguish it from 'inexcusable,' which means clearly unacceptable.
Usage Reminders
- Use excusable for situations that deserve forgiveness due to circumstances. Avoid suggesting moral failure. Compare with inexcusable to show the strongest degree. Pair with nouns like delay, absence, or mistake. Remember it describes permission, not endorsement. Consider tone: neutral or sympathetic.
Common Misconceptions
- Excusable is not the same as forgiving: it notes that forgiveness may be appropriate.
- It is not a synonym for permissible in every context; some permissible actions aren’t excusable.
- It does not apply to people being inherently faultless; it describes the action or situation.
- Confuse with 'excuse' as a noun/verb; 'excusable' is an adjective.
- The opposite is 'inexcusable', not 'unexcusable'.
Thinking Differences
English uses excusable to describe actions that can be forgiven due to circumstances; tone is often neutral or sympathetic and relies on context for forgiveness.
Learning Tips
- Memorize key collocations: excusable delay, excusable absence, excusable mistake.
- Contrast with inexcusable to learn degree of severity.
- Note tone: neutral vs sympathetic depending on context.
- Don’t confuse with excuse (noun/verb).
- Use in sentences about rules or policies to sound natural.
- Practice with real-life scenarios to choose when forgiveness applies.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'excusable' mean?
A.Worthy of forgiveness or pardon
B.Expected behavior in all situations
C.An act that is always wrong
D.Something that cannot be understood
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'excusable' correctly?
A.Her lateness was excusable due to the heavy traffic.
B.It is excusable to steal when you're hungry.
C.The teacher said his behavior was excusable, but I disagree.
D.The excusable nature of his emotions was surprising.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'excusable'?
A.Justifiable
B.Unforgivable
C.Erroneous
D.Condemnable
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'excusable'?
A.Pardonable
B.Forgivable
C.Inexcusable
D.Acceptable
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of someone being late due to unforeseen circumstances?
A.Someone felt really bad about forgetting their friend's birthday.
B.A person missed their flight because of a traffic jam.
C.The manager decided to ignore all mistakes made by his team.
D.He reconsidered his plans after realizing his mistake.
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