Excusably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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excusably

[ɪkˈskjuːzəblɪ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

acceptable reasons

Excusably refers to a manner in which an action or behavior can be justified or deemed acceptable due to certain circumstances. It implies that there are valid reasons for someone's actions, making them forgivable or understandable.

Synonyms

forgivably, justifiably, pardonably.

Examples of usage

She excusably arrived late due to heavy traffic.
His mistake was excusably overlooked because it was his first day.
The delay was excusably attributed to unforeseen weather conditions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In law, a behavior can be deemed excusable if there are valid justifications, leading to lesser penalties.
Understanding what makes an action excusable is key in courts to determine guilt or innocence.
Defenses such as 'temporary insanity' or 'duress' often hinge on the idea of excusability.

Psychology

People often use justifications to cope with guilt, making behaviors seem excusable to themselves and others.
Cognitive dissonance occurs when one's actions contradict beliefs, leading to the need for excuses.
Research shows that finding valid reasons for mistakes can help reduce feelings of shame and promote mental well-being.

Communication

Effective communication often relies on the ability to provide excusable reasons for actions to maintain relationships.
In professional settings, expressing why a mistake occurred can foster understanding and positive rapport.
The phrase 'I had a good reason' can often make unintentional errors more acceptable among peers.

Culture

Various cultures have different thresholds for what is considered excusable behavior, often influenced by social norms.
In many societies, punctuality is a value, but being excusably late can be seen as a flexible norm during social events.
The concept of 'face' in some cultures plays a role in how excusably one can behave without losing honor.

Origin of 'excusably'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'excusabilis,' meaning 'that can be excused'.
In English, this word began to appear around the 16th century, evolving from its root word 'excuse'.
It typically describes actions that can be justified in light of circumstances.

The word 'excusably' is derived from the adjective 'excusable,' which comes from the Latin root 'excusare' meaning 'to free from blame.' The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' and 'causa' refers to 'cause' or 'reason.' Over time, 'excusable' evolved in Middle English as 'excusable' and subsequently transformed into the adverbial form 'excusably' in the 19th century. It reflects the idea that one's actions can be defended by reasonable explanations, and its use has grown in both formal and casual contexts, often highlighting human fallibility and the need for compassion in judgment.