Is there a difference.....

kissmybASS01 · #1 12-10-2011, 08:20 AM

Excuses versus explanations. Does it depend upon the person? Or just a fine line between the two....If so, what do you use to gauge the difference between the two.

i_got_a_mohawk · #2 12-10-2011, 08:46 AM

Excuse -
Attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify.

Explanation -
A reason or justification given for an action or belief.

(from google definitions).

The way I see it, they are close, but if someone is using an excuse, it's generally a bit of a negative conotation wheras an explaination is neutral.

Internet Police · #3 12-10-2011, 08:59 AM

Excuses generally start with "well you see" or "but" in my neck of the woods its "what had happened was" and reasons start with "because yyz happened". There's no excuse for my bad grammar but there is a reason.

Bloodhammer · #4 12-10-2011, 10:28 AM

An excuse often begins before you're finished talking and has a "My hands were tied - I HAD to do it" or "I couldn't help it" theme.

Jake Blues can demonstrate.

i_got_a_mohawk · #5 12-10-2011, 10:29 AM

Hahahaha amazing example!

Must watch the blues brothers tonight

Jinro · #6 12-10-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Excuse -
Attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify.

Explanation -
A reason or justification given for an action or belief.

However many times, what is an explanation to the person explaining is an excuse to the person listening.

Datsgor · #7 12-10-2011, 11:00 AM

Excuse: Knowing you have done something, but are trying not to accept responsability.

Explanation: Doing something, accepting responsability and then talking about it.

**jmattbassplaya** · #8 12-10-2011, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Datsgor

Excuse: Knowing you have done something, but are trying not to accept responsability.

Explanation: Doing something, accepting responsability and then talking about it.

+1

It often has to do if the person takes responsibility for the action.

john grey · #9 12-10-2011, 11:12 AM

No, there is no difference when examining that subject in a human relationship perspective. The reason there is no difference is that the observation of the dialog is subjective to such an extent that pre-existing notions of what is being expressed can color any interaction. This pre-judgment can be due to a variety of external (or internal) factors.

It would take a uninvolved third party to even start to untie that knot. If one individual BELIEVES that they are producing an explanation, not an excuse, and another individual (in a discourse between two people) simply doesn't believe that dialog is an explanation, there is no chance for common ground. This is why an UN-emmeshed outside third party is utilized to broker decisions from two opposing viewpoints.

Bloodhammer · #10 12-10-2011, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john grey

No, there is no difference when examining that subject in a human relationship perspective. The reason there is no difference is that the observation of the dialog is subjective to such an extent that pre-existing notions of what is being expressed can color any interaction. This pre-judgment can be due to a variety of external (or internal) factors.

It would take a uninvolved third party to even start to untie that knot. If one individual BELIEVES that they are producing an explanation, not an excuse, and another individual (in a discourse between two people) simply doesn't believe that dialog is an explanation, there is no chance for common ground. This is why an UN-emmeshed outside third party is utilized to broker decisions from two opposing viewpoints.

So basically, when someone asks you a question, you should refrain from answering until you get a lawyer....

john grey · #11 12-10-2011, 11:31 AM

Yes! ALWAYS get lawyers involved. Aside from being heartwarming, lovable frolicking, jolly fellows, you can use them as firewood when done with them.

Realistically, I believe that the OP meant the query in the context of a relationship dynamic. In that context - pin-point definitions are really tough.

Bloodhammer · #12 12-10-2011, 11:39 AM

In a relationship dynamic, the definitions are simple and always the same:

She "explains" why she needs $200 shoes to go with the dress she's planning on wearing Friday night.

He "excuses" buying a $200 envelope filter because that money should have been used for something less frivolous.

kissmybASS01 · #13 12-10-2011, 04:51 PM

I meant in general.
Relationship wise, all bets are off haha. However, I always have some interesting/sarcastic/funny/rude/witty conversations with my job co-ordinater (as I'm the shipper/receiver). He always asks why our truck hasn't left the building when we needed to be somewhere ten minutes ago. I try to tell him my "explainations" and all he hears are excuses.

Buxtehude · #14 12-10-2011, 05:56 PM

Explanation has a wider connotation than excuse. An excuse often takes the form of an explanation but an explanation can be anything. E.g. Explaining how to set up a bass. Though some of the paid setups I've had should have been called excuses. Lol

kissmybASS01 · #15 12-11-2011, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jinro

However many times, what is an explanation to the person explaining is an excuse to the person listening.

This.

Ursus Tyrannus · #16 12-11-2011, 08:37 AM

The only true and pure explanation cannot be conveyed. Once it has it can become an excuse.

Balog · #17 12-12-2011, 01:50 PM

I generally think of an excuse as an attempt to blameshift, offered to deny responsibility. It generally occurs as a first response to someone identifying something you are doing/have done wrong.

I usually view an explanation as either a flat denial of guilt ("I did ship that bass, here's the tracking number. If it never got there talk to UPS") or something offered after taking responsibility for the wrong ("You're right, I haven't got that bass shipped yet and I apologize. I'll get it out asap." Well why hasn't it shipped. "My dog died, and I've been dealing with that.")