Reasonis used in both positive and negative scenarios. Positive vs NegativeĮxcuseis usually used in negative scenarios. Reasonis an explanation, cause or basis for something. Your family problem is not an excuse for neglecting your work.ĭifference Between Excuse and Reason MeaningĮxcuseis a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offence. He used his health condition as an excuse. What’s your excuse for being absent last week? There can be no excuse for further delay. I don’t want any excuses I want this done by Saturday. The real reason for failing the exam may be neglecting your studies. Your friends borrowing your books, your neighbour making lot of noises, lack of time, the difficulty level of the paper – all these are excuses.
Let’s take the simple example of failing an exam. He or she uses external factors to excuse their actions or behaviour. This is why many people do not like the term excuse.Įxcuse also implies that the person who committed the offence or mistake is not accepting his own fault. Since excuse is always related to an offence or fault, it is often associated with negative connotations. The American Heritage Dictionary defines excuse as “an explanation offered to justify or obtain forgiveness” and Oxford Dictionary defines it as “A reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offence”. In other words, excuse is an explanation as to why something bad happened or why something good didn’t happen. I’m sure there must be a good reason behind this sudden decision.ĭid she give any reasons for her absence?Įxcuse refers to a reason, specifically, it is a reason given to justify a mistake or an offence.
Observe the following examples to understand the meaning and usage of this noun better.
In other words, it can be used to explain both positive and negative scenarios. It can also explain why something bad happened or why something bad didn’t happen. According to Oxford Dictionary, reason is “a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event” whereas American Heritage defines reason as “a basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction” Reason can explain why something good happened or why it didn’t happen. Reason is a cause or basis for something it explains why something happened. Excuse also tends to be associated with many negative connotations whereas reason is a more neutral term. The main difference between excuse and reason is that excuse specifically refers to a reason or explanation given to justify a fault. Excuse and reason are two words that explain the cause or base for something, and the meanings of these two words overlap to a certain extent.