Englishfor English speakers
paltry
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adjective
(= trifling)
not worth considering
he considered the prize too paltry for the lives it must cost
piffling efforts
a trifling matter
—
adjective
(= measly, miserable)
contemptibly small in amount
a measly tip
the company donated a miserable $100 for flood relief
a paltry wage
almost depleted his miserable store of dried beans
excuse
Verb
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You say, "excuse me" when you have done something rude,
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You say, "excuse me" when you want to get someone's attention.
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You say, "excuse me" when you want somebody to move.
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You say, "excuse me" when you didn't hear somebody very well and you want them to repeat themselves.
—
If you excuse someone, you forgive them.
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If you excuse someone, you allow them to avoid doing something.
excuse
Noun
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An excuse is a reason for not doing something or for doing something bad.
There is no excuse for hitting your sister.
Do you have an excuse for being late?