Home US English I beg your pardon

Definition of I beg your pardon in English:

I beg your pardon

phrase

(also pardon me)

  • 1Used to express polite apology.

    • ‘I beg your pardon for intruding’
    what did you say, what, eh, I beg your pardon, beg pardon, sorry, excuse me, say again
    1. 1.1Used to indicate that one has not heard or understood something.
      • ‘I beg your pardon—I'm afraid I didn't catch that’
    2. 1.2Used to express one's anger or indignation at what someone has just said.
      • ‘“I beg your pardon!” Beecham snapped’