Begs off is a phrasal verb meaning to politely decline or excuse oneself from a situation or engagement. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /bɛɡz ɒf/. The first syllable "begs" is pronounced with the vowel sound in "bed" (short e) followed by a voiced consonant "g". The second syllable "off" is pronounced with the vowel sound in "hot" (short o) followed by a voiceless consonant "f". Together, the pronunciation is akin to "begz off" in informal language.
The phrase "begs off" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the act of declining an invitation, request, or responsibility in a polite or evasive manner. It suggests that the individual is seeking to be excused or released from a particular obligation. The term is often used to imply that the person feels reluctant, hesitant, or unwilling to partake in the assigned task or attend the event.
When someone "begs off," they express their desire to withdraw or opt-out from a commitment, usually by offering a plausible excuse or explanation for their inability to fulfill the implied duty. It denotes a plea, often courteous, to be released from the obligation while expounding plausible reasons for the request. The person who "begs off" may feel obligated to apologize or express regret for their inability to comply, recognizing the inconvenience they may cause by not fulfilling their expected role.
The phrase "begs off" conveys the notion of seeking forgiveness or pardon for declining, as it implies a request to be exempted from the initially agreed-upon arrangement or situation. It suggests a desire to be excused from the responsibility or expectation that may have been imposed on the individual. Therefore, "begs off" entails a passive manner of declining, with a sense of remorse or regret over not being able to partake in the desired activity.
The term "begs off" is derived from the combination of two separate phrases: "begs" and "off".
- "Begs" is derived from the Old English word "beggen", which means "to request" or "to entreat". It later evolved into the Middle English word "beggen", which still carried the same meaning.
- "Off" is derived from the Old English word "of", which means "away" or "from". It has remained relatively unchanged in the English language.
When these two phrases are combined, "begs off" means to request or entreat to be excused or to withdraw from a situation or responsibility. It suggests that someone is asking to be relieved from a duty or to be excused from a commitment.