Excuse me
interjection
Used to get someone's attention.
Excuse me, could you please tell me where the library is?
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- could you...
interjection
Used to politely interrupt or disturb someone.
Excuse me, may I interrupt for a moment?
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- may i...
interjection
Used to say sorry for something minor, like burping.
Excuse me, I didn't mean to bump into you.
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- i didn't mean to...
interjection
Used in response to a rude or surprising remark.
Excuse me, but that was uncalled for.
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- but that...
Usage tips
Disapproving
interjection
Used to get someone's attention.
Excuse me, could you please tell me where the library is?
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- could you...
interjection
Used to politely interrupt or disturb someone.
Excuse me, may I interrupt for a moment?
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- may i...
interjection
Used to say sorry for something minor, like burping.
Excuse me, I didn't mean to bump into you.
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- i didn't mean to...
interjection
Used in response to a rude or surprising remark.
Excuse me, but that was uncalled for.
Often appears as...
- excuse me
- but that...
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Attention Grabber
Use it in a quiet voice to be polite when asking for help or information.
Excuse me, could you help me with these directions?
Pro Tip 2/3Public Places
Say it before asking strangers in places like streets, stores, or stations.
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Starter
Can begin a talk with someone you haven't met, showing politeness.
Excuse me, I noticed you're reading my favorite book.
Pro Tip 1/3Attention Grabber
Use it in a quiet voice to be polite when asking for help or information.
Excuse me, could you help me with these directions?
Pro Tip 2/3Public Places
Say it before asking strangers in places like streets, stores, or stations.
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Starter
Can begin a talk with someone you haven't met, showing politeness.
Excuse me, I noticed you're reading my favorite book.
Pro Tip 1/3Attention Grabber
Use it in a quiet voice to be polite when asking for help or information.
Excuse me, could you help me with these directions?
Pro Tip 2/3Public Places
Say it before asking strangers in places like streets, stores, or stations.
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Pro Tip 3/3Conversation Starter
Can begin a talk with someone you haven't met, showing politeness.
Excuse me, I noticed you're reading my favorite book.
Never forget "Excuse me"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension