American Dictionary

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Definition I beg your pardon in American English

I beg your pardon phrase

phrase
1

used for asking someone to repeat something because you did not hear them. "Pardon me?" or "Excuse me?" are less formal ways of saying this

Example

"Are you ready to leave?" "I beg your pardon?" "I was just asking if you're ready to leave."

Synonyms and related words
2

used for saying you are sorry because you have made a slight mistake, for example because you have stood on someone's foot. "Sorry" is a less formal way of saying this

Example

Oh, I beg your pardon, I didn't realize this was your chair.

3

used for showing that you disagree very strongly with what someone has just said

Example

"Jenny doesn't concentrate when she's driving." "I beg your pardon! She's a very good driver!"

Synonyms and related words
Definition I beg your pardon in American English