Is there a fine line between a reason and an excuse?

Question

This is what i heard someone say yesterday?

Answer 1

I try never to give an excuse even if I do have a reason. If I fail to do something its because I failed to do it. If Ive done wrong its because Ive done wrong. Some people actually want an excuse from you and get mad when you say you have none. I just try to be honest and say its my bad.

Answer 2

Common uses of the words:

An excuse is a poor reason that one uses to get out of something, or to not get blamed for something. However, an excuse *can* be legitimate.

A reason is an honest excuse that should not have others upset with you.

I'll get definitions. Back in a sec.




Main Entry: 1rea·son
Pronunciation: 'rE-z&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English resoun, from Anglo-French raisun, from Latin ration-, ratio reason, computation, from reri to calculate, think; probably akin to Gothic rathjo account, explanation
------> 1 a : a statement offered in explanation or justification b : a rational ground or motive c : a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense; especially : something (as a principle or law) that supports a conclusion or explains a fact d : the thing that makes some fact intelligible : CAUSE
2 a (1) : the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways : INTELLIGENCE (2) : proper exercise of the mind (3) : SANITY b : the sum of the intellectual powers
3 archaic : treatment that affords satisfaction
- in reason : RIGHTLY, JUSTIFIABLY
- within reason : within reasonable limits
- with reason : with good cause


Main Entry: 2ex·cuse
Pronunciation: ik-'skyüs
Function: noun
1 : the act of excusing
------> 2 a : something offered as justification or as grounds for being excused b plural : an expression of regret for failure to do something c : a note of explanation of an absence
3 : JUSTIFICATION, REASON
synonym see APOLOGY




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Answer 3

Yes, I believe so...a reason is something real and justifiable, and an excuse (sometimes) is just whining.

Answer 4

No, they are two entirely different things.
"Why were you late for work?"
Reason: "I had a flat tire."
Excuse: "Well, it wouldn't have happened, except this stupid jerk in front of me was driving SO SLOOOWWW, and that boss of mine is such a Nazi about being on time, and besides, I'm not the only one who was late, everybody else was doing it..."

Answer 5

Yes, there is. We need to make a real effort to be honest with ourselves in order to recognize one from the other.

Answer 6

Kinda, There is a line though.

Answer 7

Of course!

Answer 8

yeps...a fine line called lie/pretex/alibi

Answer 9

yes, there is... an excuse can be invented

Answer 10

LOL. Yes there is.