Apology
Part of speech: noun
Definition: An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry). A formal justification, defence.
Example sentence: Friends are God's apology for relations.
Excuse
Part of speech: noun
Definition: An explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgement.
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To forgive; to pardon.To allow to leave.To provide an excuse for; to explain, with the aim of alleviating guilt or negative judgement.
Example sentence: I attribute my success to this - I never gave or took any excuse.