Question

What is the difference between an excuse and a reason?

Answer 1

An excuse is given in order to lessen liability or remove liability altogether. A reason, however, is an explanation given to an event or series of events.

http://fishyvb.something-fishy.org/archive/index.php/t-70449.html
http://blog.bodellconsulting.com/2008/04/04/the-difference-between-a-reason-and-an-excuse/

Answer 2

What do you mean by liability in this context?

Answer 3

An excuse is more based on hiding mistakes. Whereas, a reason is one true statement which is rational.

Answer 4

As a consultant, and someone who talks to business owners on a daily basis, some who are clients and many more who are not, I’ve heard an incredible number of reasons why restaurant owner’s businesses are struggling or failing. 99 out of 100 times, that “reason” really isn’t a reason at all, it’s an “excuse”. There’s a big difference, and I’ll tell you what it is.

A “reason” is an explanation for why something is the way it is, with everyone involved taking accountability for their part in a situation. An excuse is an explanation for why something is the way it is, that always involves the blame being put on someone or something that isn’t involved in the conversation, and not able to share their side of the story. What’s the difference? The accountability.