alibi

/'ælibai/

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Sure! Let's break down the word "alibi."

Definition:

Alibi (noun): An alibi is a reason or explanation that someone gives to show they were somewhere else when something happened, especially when they are accused of doing something wrong. It can also refer to excuses made for not keeping a promise or for failure to do something.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "alibi" when talking about a defense someone makes to prove they are innocent of a crime or an accusation.
• It can also refer to any excuse someone uses to avoid responsibility.

Examples:

1. In a legal context: "The suspect had a strong alibi; he was at a party across town when the crime occurred."
2. In everyday conversation: "She always has an alibi for why she can't attend meetings."

Advanced Usage:

• In legal terms, an alibi can be a crucial part of a defense strategy. Lawyers often help their clients gather evidence to support their alibis, such as witness statements or video footage.

Word Variants:

• Alibi (verb): Although less common, to "alibi" means to provide an alibi for someone else.
• Alibi (noun): The word is primarily used as a noun.

Different Meanings:

1. Legal meaning: A defense used in court to prove that the accused was elsewhere when a crime was committed.
2. General meaning: Any excuse or justification for not fulfilling an obligation or responsibility.

Synonyms:

• Excuse
• Justification
• Defense
• Explanation

Idioms:

• While "alibi" itself is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, you might hear phrases like "make excuses" which relate to the concept of alibis.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific phrasal verbs associated directly with "alibi," but you might encounter phrases like "come up with an alibi," which means to create an excuse or justification.

Summary:

In summary, "alibi" is a word used to discuss reasons or excuses for being somewhere else, especially when accused of wrongdoing. It is important in both everyday situations and in legal contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
   • he kept finding excuses to stay
   • every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job
   • his transparent self-justification was unacceptable
2. (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question

Verb

1. exonerate by means of an alibi

Synonyms

• excuse
• exculpation
• self-justification