When you alibi someone, you give them an excuse. This usually means you say they were somewhere else when something bad happened, like a crime. So, if your friend was accused of being somewhere, you could alibi them by saying they were with you. It can also mean giving any explanation that helps clear someone of blame. This word is often used in legal situations but can be used in everyday talk too.
To alibi as a verb at the C2 level implies a sophisticated understanding of legal and social discourse, moving beyond a simple excuse. It encompasses the strategic act of substantiating a claim of absence from a scene, often through corroborating testimony or evidence, thereby providing an ironclad defense against accusations. This can extend metaphorically to offering a highly plausible and well-constructed explanation that unequivocally exonerates an individual from culpability or blame in a broader context. The term thus signifies not merely an excuse, but a compelling justification that withstands scrutiny, effectively relocating responsibility or negating involvement through a convincing narrative of whereabouts or circumstances.
alibi 30秒了解
- prove absence
- provide excuse
- clear blame
§ Understanding 'Alibi' as a Verb
The word 'alibi' is most commonly recognized as a noun, referring to a claim or piece of evidence that someone was elsewhere when a crime was committed. However, it also functions as a verb, carrying a nuanced and interesting meaning that extends beyond its legal connotations. When used as a verb, 'to alibi' means to provide an excuse or a defense for someone, often by asserting their presence in a different location during a specific event. This primary usage is deeply rooted in its legal origin.
- DEFINITION
- To provide an excuse or a defense for someone, typically by testifying that they were in a different location when a specific event or crime occurred. It is also used more broadly to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame or responsibility.
Beyond the courtroom, 'alibi' as a verb has a broader application. It can refer to offering any explanation that aims to clear someone of blame or responsibility, even in non-criminal contexts. This broader sense allows for its use in everyday situations where excuses or justifications are given. The term implies an act of vouching for someone, often with the intention of absolving them from wrongdoing or shielding them from negative consequences.
His brother tried to alibi him, claiming they were at the movies all evening.
When confronted about the missing cookies, she attempted to alibi her friend by saying he was helping her with homework.
§ When Do People Use 'Alibi' as a Verb?
People use 'alibi' as a verb in various scenarios, predominantly when there is an accusation, suspicion, or a need to explain away someone's involvement in a particular event. Here are some common situations:
- Legal and Formal Contexts: This is the most traditional usage. In a court of law, witnesses might be called to 'alibi' a defendant, providing testimony that places them elsewhere during the time a crime was committed. This is a critical aspect of defense strategies.
- Informal Justifications: In everyday conversations, one might 'alibi' a friend or family member who is late, missed a meeting, or failed to complete a task. The explanation might not be about physical location but rather a reason that mitigates blame. For example, a parent might 'alibi' their child's poor grades by citing a recent illness.
- Protecting Reputations: Sometimes, individuals 'alibi' others to protect their reputation or standing. This could happen in professional settings where a colleague might 'alibi' a team member for a mistake, framing it as a misunderstanding rather than negligence.
- Shifting Blame (Subtly): While not always the intention, 'alibiing' can sometimes subtly shift blame or responsibility away from one person to another, or to external circumstances. This is often done to maintain harmony or avoid direct confrontation.
- Offering an Explanation: More generally, if someone is seeking to provide an explanation that clears someone's name, they are essentially 'alibiing' them. This doesn't necessarily mean lying; it could simply be presenting a factual account that exonerates them.
The usage of 'alibi' as a verb adds a layer of action to the concept of providing a defense or an excuse. It highlights the active role someone takes in supporting another person's claim of innocence or lack of responsibility. Understanding this verb form enriches one's vocabulary and comprehension of nuanced social and legal interactions.
§ How to use it in a sentence — grammar, prepositions
- Transitive Verb
- When 'alibi' is used as a verb, it is typically a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You 'alibi someone' or 'alibi a claim'.
The most common construction is to use 'alibi' followed by the person or thing being cleared of blame.
The witness tried to alibi his friend by saying they were at the cinema together.
She tried to alibi her absence from the meeting with a sudden illness.
Less commonly, you might see 'alibi' used with a preposition like 'for' to specify what the excuse is being provided for, but this is often redundant as the direct object typically covers this.
He attempted to alibi himself for the missing funds.
However, it's more natural and common to phrase this without 'for', as in:
He attempted to alibi the missing funds.
§ Common grammatical structures
- Subject + Alibi + Object
- This is the most straightforward and common way to use 'alibi' as a verb.
- Subject: The person providing the alibi or excuse.
- Alibi: The verb in its appropriate tense.
- Object: The person or thing being cleared of blame/responsibility.
The lawyer tried to alibi his client's whereabouts on the night of the incident.
She couldn't alibi her involvement in the project's failure.
- Passive Voice
- The verb 'alibi' can also be used in the passive voice, where the focus is on the person or thing being alibied.
- Object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
- Auxiliary verb 'to be' + past participle 'alibied'.
- (Optional) 'by' + original subject.
The suspect was effectively alibied by his co-worker's testimony.
His claims of innocence were alibied by security footage.
§ Common pitfalls
Using 'alibi' as a noun when a verb is needed: Remember that 'alibi' can function as both a noun (the excuse itself) and a verb (the act of providing the excuse).
Incorrect: He gave an alibi to his friend. (Here, 'alibi' is used as a noun, which is grammatically correct but doesn't demonstrate the verb usage.)
Correct: He tried to alibi his friend. (Using 'alibi' as a verb.)
Confusing 'alibi' with 'exonerate' or 'vindicate': While similar, 'alibi' specifically refers to providing an excuse or defense, often focusing on location or a specific explanation. 'Exonerate' means to officially clear from blame, and 'vindicate' means to clear someone of suspicion or accusation, often proving them right.
- Prepositions
- The verb 'alibi' generally doesn't require a preposition after it when it directly takes an object. However, if you want to specify *how* someone is alibied, you might use prepositions like 'with' or 'by'.
She alibied him with a detailed account of their evening.
The suspect was alibied by his wife's testimony.
§ Where You Actually Hear This Word — Work, School, News
The verb "alibi," though perhaps more commonly known as a noun, is a fascinating and versatile word that you're likely to encounter in various contexts, particularly in discussions related to law, ethics, and accountability. Its CEFR level of C1 indicates that it's a word used in more complex and nuanced conversations, reflecting a higher level of linguistic proficiency.
§ In the News
In news reporting, especially concerning crime, politics, or public scandals, "alibi" as a verb often appears when discussing attempts to establish innocence or deflect blame. Journalists use it to describe situations where individuals or groups are trying to prove they were elsewhere or provide an explanation that clears them of wrongdoing.
The suspect tried to alibi himself by claiming he was out of town.
The politician's staff worked diligently to alibi his absence from the controversial meeting.
The verb form adds a dynamic element, emphasizing the action of providing the excuse. This is crucial in news analysis, as it highlights the active effort to construct a defense. For example, a headline might state, "Witnesses Alibi Suspect in Robbery Case," immediately informing the reader that testimony is being offered to prove the suspect's innocence due to their presence elsewhere.
§ In Professional Settings (Work)
While less common in everyday office jargon, "alibi" can still appear in professional contexts, particularly in fields where accountability, investigations, or legal matters are paramount. This includes:
- Legal Professions: Lawyers might "alibi" their clients by presenting evidence of their whereabouts during a crime.
- Human Resources: In workplace investigations, an employee might try to "alibi" themselves against accusations of misconduct by providing a verifiable account of their actions.
- Project Management: Though less formal, a team member might try to "alibi" a delay by explaining unforeseen circumstances that prevented timely completion.
The lawyer attempted to alibi his client by presenting security footage from another location.
- Usage Note
- In professional settings, the use of "alibi" often carries a more formal and serious tone, reflecting the gravity of the situations where it's employed. It's not typically used for minor excuses but for substantive defenses against significant accusations.
In these scenarios, to "alibi" someone means to provide a credible and often verifiable explanation that absolves them of responsibility or blame. It's about constructing a narrative of innocence based on facts or verifiable circumstances.
§ In Academic Settings (School)
While you might not explicitly hear a teacher say "alibi" in a classroom discussion every day, the concept it represents is integral to critical thinking, historical analysis, and literary interpretation. Students might encounter the verb "alibi" in:
- History Classes: When analyzing historical figures or events, students might discuss how certain individuals tried to "alibi" their actions or decisions during controversial periods.
- English Literature: In examining character motivations and plot developments, students might analyze how a character attempts to "alibi" their behavior or involvement in a particular situation.
- Philosophy or Ethics: Discussions about accountability, responsibility, and justifications for actions can naturally lead to the use of "alibi" as a verb.
The historical document tried to alibi the king's controversial decree by emphasizing the dire economic conditions.
- Literary Context
- In literature, a character might attempt to "alibi" their actions not just to others, but also to themselves, reflecting internal conflict and self-deception.
Understanding "alibi" as a verb in an academic context enriches a student's ability to analyze arguments, identify attempts at justification, and critically evaluate claims of innocence or lack of responsibility. It encourages deeper thinking about why individuals or groups might seek to clear their name and the methods they employ to do so.
§ Expanding Beyond the Legal Connotation
It's important to remember that while the most common usage of "alibi" (noun and verb) is in a legal context, its broader definition allows for its application in a wider range of scenarios. To "alibi" can simply mean to offer a convincing explanation that absolves someone of blame, even if no crime has been committed.
She tried to alibi her late arrival by explaining the unexpected traffic jam.
This expanded understanding is what makes the verb "alibi" a C1 word – it requires a nuanced grasp of both its strict legal meaning and its more flexible application in everyday, yet sophisticated, discourse. By recognizing where and how this word is used, you can better comprehend complex discussions and articulate your own thoughts with greater precision.
§ Confusing 'Alibi' (verb) with 'Alibi' (noun)
One of the most common mistakes is using 'alibi' as a verb when it's more appropriate to use it as a noun. While 'alibi' *can* function as a verb, meaning 'to provide an alibi for' or 'to excuse,' its primary and more common usage is as a noun referring to the defense itself – the evidence or explanation that someone was elsewhere. People often mistakenly say things like, "He tried to alibi his presence at the crime scene," when they really mean, "He tried to *provide an alibi for* his presence at the crime scene" or "He tried to *establish an alibi*." The verb form is less frequent and can sound a bit informal or even forced if not used carefully.
The witness attempted to alibi the suspect, claiming they were together at the time of the incident.
- DEFINITION
- To provide an excuse or a defense for someone, typically by testifying that they were in a different location when a specific event or crime occurred. It is also used more broadly to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame or responsibility.
§ Overusing or Misusing the Broad Sense of 'Alibi'
While the definition states that 'alibi' can be used more broadly to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame, this broader usage still often carries the connotation of a specific, tangible excuse, often related to time or presence. People sometimes use 'alibi' too generally to mean 'explain away' or 'justify' without the underlying sense of providing a reason for absence or innocence from a particular accusation. For example, saying "He tried to alibi his poor performance" might be technically understandable but sounds awkward. It's usually better to use more precise verbs like 'explain,' 'excuse,' 'justify,' or 'account for' in such contexts, reserving 'alibi' for situations where there's an implication of proving one's whereabouts or innocence regarding a specific event or accusation.
She tried to alibi her tardiness by claiming heavy traffic, but the boss was not convinced.
§ Incorrect Grammatical Structures
As a verb, 'alibi' is typically transitive, meaning it takes a direct object (the person being excused or the action being explained). Mistakes occur when it's used intransitively or with incorrect prepositions. For example:
- **Incorrect:** "He tried to alibi *for* himself." (Redundant 'for')
- **Correct:** "He tried to alibi himself."
Or, confusion arises when it's used with an object that doesn't quite fit the meaning:
- **Awkward/Less common:** "She alibied her reason for being late." (Better: "She alibied *her absence*" or "She *provided an alibi for* her absence.")
The verb form works best when directly followed by the person being defended or the specific action/circumstance being excused, especially in a legal or blame-related context.
The lawyer attempted to alibi his client by presenting security footage from another location.
§ Stylistic Considerations: Formality and Tone
The verb 'alibi' can sometimes sound informal or even slightly accusatory, implying that the excuse being offered might be questionable or an attempt to deflect blame. While perfectly acceptable in certain contexts, particularly in legal discussions or when discussing attempts to escape responsibility, it might not always be the most neutral or formal choice. If the goal is simply to state that an explanation was given without any underlying implication of doubt or defense against an accusation, other verbs might be more appropriate. For example, in a formal report, one might prefer to say "The manager *accounted for* the missing funds" rather than "The manager *alibied* the missing funds," unless the intention is to imply a defensive posture.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
The verb "alibi" primarily means to provide an excuse or defense, often by stating one was elsewhere. While it can be used more broadly to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame, several other verbs convey similar meanings with different nuances.
§ Comparing "Alibi" with "Excuse"
- Definition
- To "excuse" someone is to release them from an obligation or blame. It can also mean to justify an action or behavior.
When to use "alibi" vs. "excuse":
- Use "alibi" when the defense involves presence in another location or a more formal, often legal, explanation for absence or non-involvement.
- Use "excuse" when offering a reason for a minor offense, a mistake, or to justify an action. It's a broader term than "alibi."
The lawyer tried to alibi his client by presenting security footage from another city.
He tried to excuse his tardiness by blaming traffic.
§ Comparing "Alibi" with "Vindicate"
- Definition
- To "vindicate" someone is to clear them of blame or suspicion, especially after they have been accused, or to show that someone or something is right or reasonable.
When to use "alibi" vs. "vindicate":
- Use "alibi" when providing a specific defense, often related to location or circumstantial evidence.
- Use "vindicate" when the act of clearing someone of blame is more about proving their innocence or the correctness of their actions through evidence or argument, rather than just providing an explanation for an absence. "Vindicate" often has a stronger connotation of proving innocence definitively.
Her friends tried to alibi her by saying she was with them all evening.
New evidence emerged that would eventually vindicate the wrongly accused man.
§ Comparing "Alibi" with "Justify"
- Definition
- To "justify" an action or decision is to show or prove it to be right or reasonable.
When to use "alibi" vs. "justify":
- "Alibi" is about clearing someone of direct involvement in an event, often by demonstrating they were not present.
- "Justify" is about explaining the rationale behind an action, making it seem acceptable or correct, even if it might have been questionable. It's less about proving absence and more about proving the validity of a choice.
He tried to alibi himself from the accusation of theft by showing his credit card receipts from another store.
She tried to justify her abrupt departure by explaining the family emergency.
§ Comparing "Alibi" with "Defend"
- Definition
- To "defend" someone or something is to protect them from attack or criticism, or to speak or write in support of them.
When to use "alibi" vs. "defend":
- "Alibi" specifically means providing evidence of absence or an alternative explanation to clear someone of blame for a specific event.
- "Defend" is a broader term that can involve a wide range of actions to protect or support someone, including arguing their case, standing up for them, or offering a general defense against accusations.
His brother tried to alibi him by claiming they were fishing together all day.
She vigorously defended her reputation against the baseless rumors.
How Formal Is It?
"The defense team sought to exculpate their client by presenting evidence of his whereabouts at the time of the incident."
"His friend tried to provide an alibi for him, stating they were at the movies that evening."
"Could you cover for me and tell the boss I'm sick if he asks?"
"She tried to explain away why her homework wasn't done by saying her dog ate it."
"Don't worry, I'll vouch for you; just tell them we were together all night."
需要掌握的语法
Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb 'alibi' must agree in number with its subject. If the subject is singular (e.g., 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' 'the witness'), the verb should be 'alibis' (present tense). If the subject is plural (e.g., 'they,' 'we,' 'the lawyers'), the verb should be 'alibi.'
The defense lawyer alibis his client by presenting a travel itinerary. The witnesses alibi their friend, stating he was out of town.
Transitive Verb Usage: 'Alibi' is typically used as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. The direct object is the person or entity being provided with an excuse or defense.
She alibis her brother by claiming he was with her. The company tried to alibi itself for the environmental damage.
Prepositional Phrases for Location: When 'alibi' is used in the context of being in a different location, it is often followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the location.
He alibied himself by proving he was at the hospital. They alibied their suspect by showing he was across the country.
Passive Voice Construction: 'Alibi' can be used in the passive voice, especially when the focus is on the person or entity being alibied rather than who is doing the alibiing.
The accused was alibied by a former colleague. The suspect's story was alibied by security footage.
Contextual Nuance: While 'alibi' can imply providing a legitimate defense, in informal contexts, it can sometimes suggest a fabricated or weak excuse. The grammar itself doesn't change, but understanding this nuance helps in interpretation.
He tried to alibi his tardiness with a flimsy excuse about traffic. The team alibied their poor performance by blaming the weather.
按水平分级的例句
The student tried to alibi his late homework by saying his dog ate it, but the teacher didn't believe him.
The student tried to excuse his late homework by saying his dog ate it, but the teacher didn't believe him.
Here, 'alibi' is used informally to mean 'to provide an excuse'.
She tried to alibi for her friend, saying they were together when the incident happened.
She tried to provide an alibi for her friend, saying they were together when the incident happened.
In this sentence, 'alibi for' means to provide an alibi for someone.
He couldn't alibi his absence from the meeting, so he just apologized.
He couldn't explain his absence from the meeting, so he just apologized.
Here, 'alibi' means to provide an explanation or excuse.
The man tried to alibi himself by saying he was at home all evening.
The man tried to prove he was elsewhere by saying he was at home all evening.
Using 'alibi himself' means to provide an alibi for oneself.
The suspect tried to alibi the time of the crime, but his story had holes.
The suspect tried to explain away the time of the crime, but his story had holes.
'Alibi' here means to explain or defend something.
My mom always tells me not to alibi my mistakes, but to learn from them.
My mom always tells me not to make excuses for my mistakes, but to learn from them.
Here, 'alibi' refers to making excuses for one's actions.
Can you alibi your whereabouts last night?
Can you prove where you were last night?
This is a question asking for an explanation of one's location.
The lawyer tried to alibi his client, but there wasn't enough evidence.
The lawyer tried to provide an alibi for his client, but there wasn't enough evidence.
'Alibi' is used in the sense of providing a defense or excuse for someone.
He tried to alibi his friend, saying they were together all evening.
He tried to provide an excuse for his friend, saying they were together all evening.
Can you alibi me for being late to the meeting?
Can you provide an excuse for me being late to the meeting?
The witness was asked to alibi the suspect's whereabouts.
The witness was asked to confirm the suspect's location as an excuse.
She tried to alibi her absence from class with a doctor's note.
She tried to explain her absence from class with a doctor's note.
Don't try to alibi your mistakes; just admit them.
Don't try to make excuses for your mistakes; just admit them.
His coworker tried to alibi him, but the police had evidence.
His coworker tried to provide an excuse for him, but the police had evidence.
The student tried to alibi his low grades by blaming the teacher.
The student tried to explain his low grades by blaming the teacher.
It's hard to alibi someone when there are no other witnesses.
It's hard to provide an excuse for someone when there are no other witnesses.
During the interrogation, she attempted to alibi her accomplice by claiming he was with her at a remote cabin all weekend.
Durante el interrogatorio, ella intentó dar una coartada a su cómplice afirmando que él estuvo con ella en una cabaña remota todo el fin de semana.
Here, 'alibi' is used transitively, meaning 'to provide an alibi for someone'.
The politician tried to alibi his controversial decision by citing economic necessity, but many remained unconvinced.
El político intentó justificar su controvertida decisión citando la necesidad económica, pero muchos siguieron sin convencerse.
In this context, 'alibi' means to offer an explanation to clear oneself of blame.
Can you alibi your whereabouts on the night of the incident?
¿Puedes dar una coartada de tu paradero la noche del incidente?
Used as a direct question, asking for a justification or proof of location.
He sought to alibi his late arrival by explaining the unexpected traffic jam.
Él buscó justificar su llegada tardía explicando el atasco inesperado.
Similar to the second example, 'alibi' here means to explain away a fault.
The defense lawyer tried to alibi his client, presenting a strong case for his innocence.
El abogado defensor intentó dar una coartada a su cliente, presentando un fuerte caso a favor de su inocencia.
This usage emphasizes the act of defending someone by providing an alibi.
Despite the mounting evidence, she stubbornly refused to alibi her actions.
A pesar de la creciente evidencia, ella se negó obstinadamente a justificar sus acciones.
'Alibi' here refers to providing an excuse or explanation for one's behavior.
The suspect’s friends attempted to alibi him, but their stories didn't quite align.
Los amigos del sospechoso intentaron darle una coartada, pero sus historias no coincidían del todo.
This example highlights the effort to provide an alibi, even if unsuccessful.
It's difficult to alibi such a significant error without taking some personal responsibility.
Es difícil justificar un error tan significativo sin asumir alguna responsabilidad personal.
Used in a negative construction, implying the difficulty of excusing a major mistake.
语法模式
习语与表达
"To clear one's name"
To prove one's innocence of a charge or suspicion.
After months of investigation, she was finally able to clear her name and prove she wasn't involved in the fraud.
neutral"To have an airtight alibi"
To have a very strong and undeniable defense against an accusation.
He couldn't have committed the crime; he has an airtight alibi, as he was out of the country at the time.
neutral"To stand by someone"
To remain loyal and supportive to someone, especially in a difficult situation.
Even when he was accused, his friends stood by him, believing in his innocence.
neutral"To get off the hook"
To escape from a difficult situation, responsibility, or punishment.
Thanks to his lawyer's excellent defense, he managed to get off the hook for the minor charges.
informal"To save one's skin"
To save oneself from danger, punishment, or an unpleasant situation.
He lied about his involvement to save his own skin, even though it meant blaming someone else.
informal"To pull an alibi out of a hat"
To invent an alibi quickly and often unconvincingly.
When questioned by the police, he tried to pull an alibi out of a hat, but it didn't sound very believable.
informal"To offer an olive branch"
To make a gesture of peace or reconciliation, often after a disagreement or accusation.
After their argument, she offered an olive branch by apologizing and explaining her perspective.
neutral"To make excuses for someone"
To try to justify someone's bad behavior or failures.
Stop making excuses for his tardiness; he needs to be more responsible.
neutral"To put in a good word for someone"
To say positive things about someone to help them, especially to a person in authority.
Could you put in a good word for me with the hiring manager? I really want that job.
neutral"To cover one's tracks"
To conceal one's actions or intentions, especially when they are illicit or embarrassing.
The thief tried to cover his tracks by wiping away his fingerprints.
neutral句型
She tried to alibi her brother, claiming he was with her all evening.
She tried to alibi her brother, claiming he was with her all evening.
The defendant's friend attempted to alibi him by saying they were out of town.
The defendant's friend attempted to alibi him by saying they were out of town.
It's difficult to alibi someone effectively without concrete evidence.
It's difficult to alibi someone effectively without concrete evidence.
Can you truly alibi his actions, or are you just trying to protect him?
Can you truly alibi his actions, or are you just trying to protect him?
He tried to alibi his absence from the meeting with a sudden illness.
He tried to alibi his absence from the meeting with a sudden illness.
The lawyer's strategy was to alibi his client by presenting contradictory witness statements.
The lawyer's strategy was to alibi his client by presenting contradictory witness statements.
Despite her efforts to alibi him, the evidence suggested otherwise.
Despite her efforts to alibi him, the evidence suggested otherwise.
The politician tried to alibi his involvement in the scandal as a misunderstanding.
The politician tried to alibi his involvement in the scandal as a misunderstanding.
如何使用
The verb 'alibi' is often used in legal contexts, particularly when discussing criminal defense. However, it can also be used in a more general sense to mean providing an excuse or explanation to clear someone of blame. While it's primarily a verb, the word 'alibi' is more commonly known as a noun (e.g., 'He had a strong alibi.').
A common mistake is using 'alibi' as a synonym for any excuse or justification without the specific connotation of proving one's whereabouts. For example, saying 'He alibied for being late by saying his car broke down' is not entirely accurate. It would be more appropriate to say 'He offered an excuse for being late...' or 'He had an alibi for his whereabouts during the time of the crime.' Another mistake is to use it when the person is providing their own excuse. 'He alibied himself' is less common; typically, someone 'alibis' *for* someone else.
小贴士
Understand the Core Meaning
The verb 'alibi' primarily means to provide an explanation or evidence that someone was elsewhere when a crime or event occurred, thereby clearing them of blame. It's often used in legal contexts.
Distinguish from the Noun
Remember that 'alibi' can also be a noun, referring to the defense itself. As a verb, it's the act of providing that defense. For example, 'His friend tried to alibi him.'
Contextual Clues
Pay attention to surrounding words. If you see phrases like 'prove innocent,' 'provide an excuse,' or 'clear of responsibility,' the verb 'alibi' is likely being used in its broader sense.
Think of Synonyms
Consider synonyms like 'exonerate,' 'absolve,' 'vindicate,' or 'excuse.' While not always perfect replacements, they can help reinforce the meaning of 'alibi'.
Practice with Sentences
Create your own sentences using 'alibi' as a verb. For instance, 'The witness tried to alibi the suspect, but his story didn't hold up.'
Common Usage Patterns
Note that 'alibi' as a verb often takes a direct object (the person being defended) and sometimes includes a prepositional phrase explaining the reason or location. Example: 'She tried to alibi her brother for missing the meeting.'
Avoid Misuse
Be careful not to use 'alibi' as a general synonym for 'lie' or 'make up an excuse' if the context doesn't involve clearing someone of blame or responsibility. It implies a formal or serious attempt at defense.
Legal Connotations
The word 'alibi' carries strong legal connotations. Even when used in a broader sense, it suggests a more formal or serious effort to clear someone's name rather than just a casual excuse.
Analyze Figurative Use
In some less common, figurative contexts, you might see 'alibi' used to describe giving a plausible reason for something, even if it's not a crime. This requires a nuanced understanding of the word's core meaning.
Look for Examples in Media
Watch crime dramas or read news articles. You'll often find examples of 'alibi' being used in its verb form, especially in discussions about legal defenses or explanations for actions.
记住它
记忆技巧
Imagine an 'alibi' as an 'all-by-itself' excuse, meaning the person was all by themselves in another location, providing a reason for their absence from the scene of an event.
视觉联想
Picture a clock. One hand points to the time of an event, and the other hand points to a completely different location, visually representing someone having an 'alibi' by being elsewhere.
Word Web
挑战
Think of a scenario where someone might need an alibi. For example, if a friend is accused of eating the last cookie, they might 'alibi' themselves by saying they were at the gym during that time. Create a short story using the word 'alibi' in both its legal and broader sense.
在生活中练习
真实语境
In a courtroom setting, a witness might 'alibi' a suspect by confirming their whereabouts.
- provide an alibi for
- corroborate an alibi
- establish an alibi
When a friend is accused of something, you might 'alibi' them by explaining what actually happened.
- alibi someone's actions
- offer an alibi
- give an alibi
A student might 'alibi' their late homework with a valid explanation for their delay.
- alibi for being late
- alibi an absence
- provide an alibi for the delay
During a team project, if a member is blamed for a mistake, another member might 'alibi' them by clarifying the situation.
- alibi a team member
- clear someone's name
- explain away the fault
Historically, people might 'alibi' their absence from certain events with plausible reasons.
- alibi one's absence
- provide a reason for not being there
- account for one's whereabouts
对话开场白
"Have you ever had to alibi someone, or has someone alibied you?"
"What's the most creative alibi you've ever heard or come up with?"
"In what situations do you think providing an alibi is absolutely crucial?"
"How reliable do you think alibis generally are in proving innocence?"
"Can an alibi sometimes make someone look more suspicious, even if it's true?"
日记主题
Describe a time when you needed to provide an alibi for yourself or someone else. What were the circumstances, and what was the outcome?
Reflect on the ethical implications of providing an alibi, especially if you're not entirely sure of the facts. Where do you draw the line?
Imagine you are a detective investigating a crime. A key suspect has a seemingly perfect alibi. How would you go about trying to verify or disprove it?
Write a short story about a character who fabricates an alibi for a friend, and the unforeseen consequences that follow.
Consider the phrase 'alibi' in a broader sense, beyond just legal contexts. How do we 'alibi' ourselves or others in everyday situations to avoid blame or responsibility?
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, 'alibi' can be used as a verb. It means to provide an excuse or a defense for someone, often by stating they were in a different place when an event or crime happened. It can also more broadly mean to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame.
While 'alibi' is frequently associated with legal contexts, especially concerning criminal investigations, its verb form can also be used in more general situations to mean providing any explanation that clears someone of responsibility or blame.
As a noun, an 'alibi' is the defense itself (e.g., 'He had a strong alibi for the night of the robbery'). As a verb, to 'alibi' someone means to provide that defense or explanation for them (e.g., 'His sister alibied him for being at the concert').
Yes, you can! While it often implies a more serious situation, the verb 'alibi' can be used for less severe circumstances where someone offers an explanation to avoid blame or responsibility for something minor. For example, 'She tried to alibi her late arrival by saying there was traffic.'
'Alibi' tends to be more formal, especially when used in a legal or serious context. However, its broader use to mean 'make an excuse' can appear in slightly less formal settings, though it still carries a sense of explanation or justification.
Some synonyms for the verb 'alibi' when providing an excuse or defense include: to excuse, to justify, to defend, to explain away, or to vindicate (especially in the broader sense of clearing someone of blame).
The pronunciation of 'alibi' is /ˈæləbaɪ/. The stress is on the first syllable.
Yes, you can! You can 'alibi yourself' by providing an explanation or defense for your own actions or whereabouts. For example, 'I tried to alibi myself by showing them my train ticket.'
The word 'alibi' comes from Latin, meaning 'elsewhere.' This origin clearly reflects its primary meaning related to being in another location.
While not as common as the noun form, 'alibi' as a verb is certainly used, especially when discussing situations where someone is providing an explanation to clear themselves or others of blame, whether in a serious or more casual context.
自我测试 138 个问题
My friend was at home yesterday. Did he have an alibi for being at the park?
An alibi means you were somewhere else. If he was at home, he has an alibi for not being at the park.
The boy said he was playing with his dog. Is this an alibi?
An alibi is an explanation of where someone was.
My mom said I was with her. Is this an alibi for me?
If someone says you were with them, it can be an alibi.
An alibi is when you say you were in a different place.
Yes, that is what an alibi means.
If you have an alibi, it means you are guilty.
No, an alibi helps to show you are not guilty.
Saying 'I was sleeping' is not an alibi.
It can be an alibi if it explains where you were and what you were doing.
Listen for 'alibi'.
Listen for 'alibi'.
Listen for 'alibi'.
Read this aloud:
I need an alibi.
Focus: /ˈælɪbaɪ/
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
He will alibi me.
Focus: /ˈælɪbaɪ/
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
What is your alibi?
Focus: /ˈælɪbaɪ/
你说的：
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Write a short sentence about where you were yesterday.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Yesterday, I was at home.
Write two words to say where you are now.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I am here.
Write your name and one thing you like.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My name is Tom. I like apples.
What does Ana like to do?
Read this passage:
My name is Ana. I am a student. I like to read books. I go to school every day.
What does Ana like to do?
The passage says, 'I like to read books.'
The passage says, 'I like to read books.'
What does the cat like to play with?
Read this passage:
This is a cat. It is small. It likes to play with a ball.
What does the cat like to play with?
The passage says, 'It likes to play with a ball.'
The passage says, 'It likes to play with a ball.'
What color is the car?
Read this passage:
I have a blue car. It is new. I drive it to work.
What color is the car?
The passage says, 'I have a blue car.'
The passage says, 'I have a blue car.'
This sentence uses 'alibi' to mean an excuse for not being somewhere, which is a core part of its definition.
This sentence uses 'alibi' as a verb, asking if someone can provide an excuse for another person.
This sentence shows the use of 'alibi' as an action, to provide an excuse for someone.
The boy tried to ___ for breaking the vase, but his mom didn't believe him.
To 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or a defense. In this sentence, the boy is trying to make an excuse for breaking the vase.
She couldn't ___ her absence from school because she was seen at the park.
To 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or a defense. Here, she couldn't make an excuse for not being at school.
He tried to ___ his friend by saying he was with him all day.
To 'alibi' someone means to provide an excuse or defense for them. In this case, he is trying to defend his friend.
Can you ___ for me if my boss asks where I was?
To 'alibi' for someone means to provide an excuse for them. Here, the person is asking for a false excuse.
The student tried to ___ for not doing his homework, but the teacher knew he was lying.
To 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or a defense. The student is trying to make an excuse for his homework.
His brother tried to ___ him by saying they were watching a movie, but it wasn't true.
To 'alibi' someone means to provide an excuse or defense for them. The brother is trying to give a false defense.
My friend tried to ____ for me, saying I was with him, but I was really at home.
To 'alibi' means to provide an excuse for someone, often saying they were somewhere else.
The boy tried to ____ for breaking the vase, but his mom knew he did it.
To 'alibi' can also mean to give an explanation to clear someone of blame.
She asked her sister to ____ for her, so she wouldn't get in trouble.
To 'alibi' is to give an excuse or defense for someone.
If you alibi for someone, you are helping them get into trouble.
To 'alibi' for someone means to provide an excuse or defense for them, helping them avoid trouble.
When you alibi, you say someone was somewhere else.
A common way to 'alibi' is to claim someone was in a different location.
To alibi means to be very honest about everything.
To 'alibi' is often about providing an excuse, which might not always be the complete truth.
The word 'alibi' is used as a verb here.
Think about providing an explanation or defense.
He tried to explain why he was not there.
Read this aloud:
I need to alibi why I was late for the meeting.
Focus: alibi
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Can you alibi your brother about the broken vase?
Focus: alibi, brother, vase
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
She tried to alibi her forgetfulness by saying she had too much work.
Focus: alibi, forgetfulness
你说的：
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Imagine your friend is late for a meeting. Write two sentences explaining why they are not to blame.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My friend is stuck in traffic. There was a car accident on the way.
Your little brother spilled juice. Write a short note to your mom explaining why it wasn't his fault.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mom, the cat knocked over the juice. It wasn't my brother's fault.
Someone thinks you forgot your homework. Write one sentence to explain why you did not forget it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I already submitted my homework online.
Why was Sarah late?
Read this passage:
My friend Sarah was supposed to meet me at the park at 3 PM. She didn't arrive until 3:30 PM. She told me, 'I had to help my neighbor find his lost cat. It took a long time.'
Why was Sarah late?
The passage says Sarah was late because she had to help her neighbor.
The passage says Sarah was late because she had to help her neighbor.
What did Tom do to show he didn't break the vase?
Read this passage:
The teacher asked who broke the vase. Little Tom said, 'It wasn't me! I was outside playing with my dog when it happened.' His mom confirmed he was playing outside.
What did Tom do to show he didn't break the vase?
Tom said he was outside playing with his dog to prove he wasn't near the vase.
Tom said he was outside playing with his dog to prove he wasn't near the vase.
What did the speaker say to help their sister?
Read this passage:
My sister left her jacket at school. She was upset because she needed it for tomorrow. I told her, 'Don't worry, I saw your jacket in your locker this morning, so you didn't forget it at school.'
What did the speaker say to help their sister?
The speaker told their sister that the jacket was in her locker, meaning she didn't leave it at school.
The speaker told their sister that the jacket was in her locker, meaning she didn't leave it at school.
This sentence describes someone having an alibi for being at a party, meaning they could prove they were somewhere else.
This asks if someone can provide an alibi for their friend, meaning they can confirm their friend's whereabouts.
This sentence indicates that a teacher requested an alibi, likely to explain why someone was absent or late.
The suspect tried to ___ his involvement in the crime by saying he was out of town.
To 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or defense, often by stating one was in a different location. In this sentence, the suspect is trying to use an excuse to avoid blame.
She couldn't ___ her absence from the meeting, so she had to take responsibility.
To 'alibi' in this context means to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame. Since she couldn't offer such an explanation, she had to accept responsibility.
His friends tried to ___ him by saying they were with him all evening.
His friends were trying to provide a defense for him by confirming his location, which is a key part of 'alibiing' someone.
The politician tried to ___ his past mistakes, but the evidence was too strong.
Here, 'alibi' is used in the broader sense of offering an explanation to clear oneself of blame or responsibility for past actions.
When asked where he was, he struggled to ___ his whereabouts.
To 'alibi' his whereabouts means to provide a verifiable account of where he was, usually to clear himself of suspicion.
It's hard to ___ a bad performance, sometimes you just have to admit it wasn't good.
In this case, 'alibi' refers to making an excuse or providing an explanation to clear oneself of blame for a poor performance.
Which sentence uses 'alibi' (verb) correctly?
To 'alibi' someone means to provide an excuse or defense for them, often by stating they were somewhere else.
When you 'alibi' someone, you are trying to:
The verb 'alibi' means to provide an explanation or excuse that removes blame or responsibility from someone.
The student tried to alibi his late homework by saying:
To 'alibi' in this context means to give an excuse or explanation for something, even if it's not a crime. Saying his dog ate it is a common excuse for late homework.
If you alibi someone, you are usually trying to protect them.
To 'alibi' someone means to provide an excuse or defense for them, which often involves protecting them from blame or responsibility.
The verb 'alibi' is only used in criminal cases.
While 'alibi' is often used in criminal cases, it can also be used more broadly to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame or responsibility in other situations.
When you alibi someone, you are typically admitting they are guilty.
To 'alibi' someone is to provide an excuse or defense for them, aiming to clear them of blame or responsibility, not admit their guilt.
The suspect tried to ___ his involvement by claiming he was out of town.
To alibi in this context means to provide an excuse or defense for his involvement.
Her friends tried to ___ her by saying she was with them all evening.
To alibi someone means to provide an excuse or defense for them.
He attempted to ___ his actions by stating he was just following orders.
To alibi broadly means to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame or responsibility.
The witness's testimony helped to ___ the defendant's whereabouts during the crime.
To alibi someone's whereabouts means to provide proof they were in a different location.
She tried to ___ her lateness with a very elaborate story about traffic.
To alibi in this sense is to offer an explanation to clear oneself of blame for being late.
The lawyer's strategy was to ___ his client by presenting a strong case for their absence.
To alibi a client means to provide a defense for them, often by proving they were elsewhere.
Listen for how the lawyer attempted to defend the defendant.
Listen for the reason she gave for not being at the meeting.
Listen for how the politician justified his decision.
Read this aloud:
Can you alibi your friend's sudden departure from the party?
Focus: alibi
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you missed an important deadline. How would you alibi yourself to your manager?
Focus: alibi
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
In a courtroom drama, how might a witness alibi the accused?
Focus: alibi
你说的：
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Imagine you are a lawyer defending a client. Write a short paragraph explaining how you would 'alibi' your client, focusing on presenting evidence of their whereabouts at the time of an incident.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My strategy to alibi my client would involve presenting irrefutable evidence of their exact location at the time of the incident. We have multiple witness statements confirming they were at a charity gala across town, along with photographic and video evidence. Additionally, their credit card statements show transactions from that specific venue, further solidifying their defense.
Think about a time someone tried to 'alibi' themselves or a friend for a minor mistake, like forgetting a task. Describe the situation and whether their 'alibi' was convincing or not.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My friend tried to alibi himself for forgetting to pick up groceries by claiming he had an unexpected, urgent work call that ran very late. While I understood work can be demanding, his explanation felt a bit vague and didn't quite convince me, especially since he usually remembers such things without issue.
In a fictional scenario, an employee is accused of missing an important meeting. Write a short email from the employee to their manager attempting to 'alibi' their absence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Subject: Apology for Missing Marketing Meeting Dear [Manager's Name], Please accept my sincere apologies for missing today's marketing meeting. I had an unforeseen medical emergency that required my immediate attention, and I was unable to notify you sooner. I have documentation from the clinic if needed. I'm reviewing the meeting minutes now and will catch up on any action items. I am available to discuss this further at your convenience. Sincerely, [Employee's Name]
What happened to the suspect's attempt to 'alibi' himself?
Read this passage:
During the investigation, the suspect attempted to alibi himself by claiming he was on a business trip in another city. However, the police found flight records that contradicted his statement, showing he was indeed in the local area on the night in question. This discrepancy significantly weakened his defense.
What happened to the suspect's attempt to 'alibi' himself?
The passage explicitly states that flight records contradicted his statement, which 'significantly weakened his defense.'
The passage explicitly states that flight records contradicted his statement, which 'significantly weakened his defense.'
What does Maria try to do by saying the cat knocked over the vase?
Read this passage:
Maria felt terrible for accidentally breaking the antique vase. When her grandmother asked what happened, Maria tried to alibi herself by saying the cat knocked it over. However, her grandmother had just seen the cat sleeping soundly in another room and knew it was an unlikely explanation.
What does Maria try to do by saying the cat knocked over the vase?
To 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or defense. In this context, Maria is trying to clear herself of blame for breaking the vase.
To 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or defense. In this context, Maria is trying to clear herself of blame for breaking the vase.
What is implied about the assistant's attempt to 'alibi' the politician?
Read this passage:
The politician's assistant tried to alibi his boss's absence from the public debate by stating he was attending an urgent, private meeting with foreign dignitaries. While this might have been true, the timing raised questions, and some critics suggested it was merely a convenient excuse to avoid tough questions.
What is implied about the assistant's attempt to 'alibi' the politician?
The passage says, 'While this might have been true, the timing raised questions, and some critics suggested it was merely a convenient excuse,' indicating a possibility of truth combined with an element of convenience.
The passage says, 'While this might have been true, the timing raised questions, and some critics suggested it was merely a convenient excuse,' indicating a possibility of truth combined with an element of convenience.
This sentence is a straightforward example of the verb 'alibi' used in its primary sense of providing an alibi for someone.
This sentence demonstrates the broader usage of 'alibi' meaning to provide an excuse or explanation.
This sentence shows 'alibi' in a context where someone is being cleared of blame.
The suspect tried to ___ his involvement by claiming he was out of the country, but the evidence proved otherwise.
To 'alibi' in this context means to provide an excuse or defense to clear oneself of blame or responsibility.
She attempted to ___ her absence from the meeting by fabricating a sudden illness.
Here, 'alibi' is used in the broader sense of offering an explanation that clears someone of blame or responsibility.
The lawyer's strategy was to ___ his client by presenting witnesses who would testify to his presence at a different location.
In this legal context, 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or defense for someone by testifying they were in a different location.
Despite overwhelming proof, he continued to ___ his actions, refusing to accept any responsibility.
The sentence implies he's trying to offer an explanation to clear himself of blame, which aligns with the broader meaning of 'alibi'.
The politician tried to ___ himself from the scandal by blaming his subordinates.
This usage of 'alibi' means to offer an explanation that clears someone of blame or responsibility.
Her friends tried to ___ her by saying she was with them, but the security footage showed otherwise.
Here, 'alibi' refers to providing a defense for someone, typically by testifying to their location at a specific time.
Consider the legal context and the word's meaning related to providing an excuse.
Think about the common use of 'alibi' for explaining away a personal shortcoming.
Focus on the difficulty of providing a credible defense in a high-stakes situation.
Read this aloud:
Can you alibi your absence from the team meeting yesterday?
Focus: alibi
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you're a detective. How would you challenge someone trying to alibi their involvement in a suspicious incident?
Focus: challenge, alibi, involvement
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Describe a situation where someone might try to alibi themselves for a minor mistake, even if it's not a crime.
Focus: describe, alibi, minor mistake
你说的：
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Imagine you are a lawyer defending a client accused of a minor infraction. Write a short paragraph where you attempt to 'alibi' your client by explaining their whereabouts at the time of the incident, using persuasive language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My client, Mr. Henderson, was unequivocally at a charity gala across town at the precise moment the alleged incident occurred. Several prominent members of the community can readily alibi his presence, confirming his engagement in philanthropic endeavors rather than any illicit activity. It would be highly improbable, bordering on impossible, for him to have been at both locations simultaneously.
Describe a scenario where someone might try to 'alibi' their poor performance at work or school, even if they were genuinely at fault. What kind of excuses might they offer?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
When confronted about a missed deadline, an employee might attempt to alibi their oversight by blaming an unforeseen technical glitch, a sudden family emergency, or an overwhelming workload from other urgent projects. Even if they had simply procrastinated, they would likely fabricate a narrative that deflects personal responsibility, framing their poor performance as a consequence of external factors beyond their control.
You are a detective investigating a crime. A suspect has provided an 'alibi' for their actions. Write a few sentences detailing what steps you would take to verify or disprove their alibi.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Upon receiving the suspect's alibi, my first step would be to interview any individuals they claimed were with them, corroborating their statements independently. I would also seek out any technological evidence, such as cell phone tower data, GPS records, or security footage, to ascertain if their movements align with their recounted whereabouts. Discrepancies in testimony or lack of supporting evidence would immediately raise red flags.
What was the primary reason Mr. Davies's attempt to alibi his decision failed?
Read this passage:
During the tumultuous board meeting, Mr. Davies attempted to alibi his controversial decision by citing an outdated company policy, claiming he was merely adhering to established protocols. However, several board members quickly pointed out that the policy had been superseded months prior, effectively undermining his defense and exposing his attempt to evade accountability for the financial misstep. His efforts to shift blame proved futile.
What was the primary reason Mr. Davies's attempt to alibi his decision failed?
The passage clearly states that 'several board members quickly pointed out that the policy had been superseded months prior, effectively undermining his defense.'
The passage clearly states that 'several board members quickly pointed out that the policy had been superseded months prior, effectively undermining his defense.'
What led to the 'alibi' beginning to unravel?
Read this passage:
The accused presented a seemingly airtight alibi, detailing his presence at a remote cabin during the time of the alleged offense. He even provided photographic evidence and a statement from a local shopkeeper confirming his purchases. However, astute investigators discovered that the timestamps on the photographs were easily manipulated, and the shopkeeper's memory of the exact date was hazy under scrutiny. The 'alibi' began to unravel, revealing inconsistencies.
What led to the 'alibi' beginning to unravel?
The passage states that 'the timestamps on the photographs were easily manipulated, and the shopkeeper's memory of the exact date was hazy under scrutiny,' indicating the unreliability of the evidence.
The passage states that 'the timestamps on the photographs were easily manipulated, and the shopkeeper's memory of the exact date was hazy under scrutiny,' indicating the unreliability of the evidence.
According to the passage, why might a protagonist in a legal drama need to 'alibi' themselves?
Read this passage:
In many legal dramas, a key plot point often revolves around the protagonist's desperate scramble to alibi themselves, not necessarily from a crime, but from a compromising situation or a misunderstanding. This typically involves them providing a detailed account of their actions and witnesses to corroborate their story, aiming to clear their name and restore their reputation.
According to the passage, why might a protagonist in a legal drama need to 'alibi' themselves?
The passage explicitly states, 'a key plot point often revolves around the protagonist's desperate scramble to alibi themselves, not necessarily from a crime, but from a compromising situation or a misunderstanding.'
The passage explicitly states, 'a key plot point often revolves around the protagonist's desperate scramble to alibi themselves, not necessarily from a crime, but from a compromising situation or a misunderstanding.'
This sentence structure correctly places the verb 'alibi' in context, indicating the difficulty the suspect faced in providing an excuse for his location.
The sentence demonstrates the use of 'alibi' in a broader sense, meaning to provide an excuse or defend someone, even when the claims are untrue.
This sentence illustrates the common usage of 'alibi' in legal contexts, where a witness attempts to provide an excuse for a defendant's location.
The defense lawyer tried desperately to ______ his client, presenting a convoluted timeline of events that seemed to defy logic.
To 'alibi' in this context means to provide an excuse or defense for someone, which fits the lawyer's action.
Despite overwhelming evidence, the politician attempted to ______ himself by claiming he was on an urgent diplomatic mission abroad when the scandal broke.
The politician's claim serves as an attempt to provide an excuse or defense for his absence, hence 'alibi' is the most appropriate verb.
When confronted with the missing funds, the treasurer tried to ______ her actions by producing a stack of seemingly legitimate, albeit unverified, receipts.
The treasurer is attempting to provide an explanation to clear herself of blame, which aligns with the broader meaning of 'alibi'.
The suspect’s girlfriend swore she could ______ him, stating he was with her all evening, but her testimony was riddled with inconsistencies.
The girlfriend is attempting to provide a defense for the suspect by claiming he was in a different location, which is the primary meaning of 'alibi' as a verb.
It's difficult to ______ a person who has been caught red-handed with undeniable proof of their culpability.
This sentence emphasizes the difficulty of providing an excuse or defense when guilt is clear, fitting the meaning of 'alibi'.
The company CEO tried to ______ the poor financial performance by blaming unforeseen market fluctuations, rather than internal mismanagement.
The CEO is offering an explanation to clear himself/the company of responsibility, which aligns with the broader definition of 'alibi'.
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies someone trying to alibi a suspect?
To alibi someone specifically means to provide an excuse or defense, often by placing them elsewhere at the time of an event. A lawyer doing so directly fits this definition.
In a philosophical debate, if one participant attempts to 'alibi' a flawed theory, what are they essentially doing?
Beyond its legal context, 'alibi' can mean to offer an explanation that clears someone or something of blame. In this context, it refers to defending a flawed theory by offering justifications for its deficiencies.
Which sentence uses 'alibi' in its broader sense, meaning to explain away blame or responsibility?
This sentence uses 'alibi' to mean providing an explanation to clear the team of responsibility for their poor performance, extending beyond a physical absence during an event.
If someone successfully provides an alibi for a crime, it definitively proves their guilt.
An alibi, by definition, aims to prove innocence by showing the person was elsewhere, not to prove guilt.
The primary purpose of an alibi is always to establish that a person was physically present at the scene of an event.
The primary purpose of an alibi is to establish that a person was NOT present at the scene of an event, thereby clearing them of blame.
In a non-legal context, 'to alibi' a decision means to provide a logical justification for it, even if it was initially controversial.
In its broader sense, to 'alibi' can mean to offer an explanation that clears someone or something of blame, or to provide a justification. This aligns with providing a logical justification for a controversial decision.
The verb 'alibi' means to provide an excuse or defense.
Focus on how 'alibi' is used to clear someone of blame.
Consider the context of avoiding responsibility.
Read this aloud:
Can you alibi your absence from the meeting yesterday?
Focus: alibi
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
It's difficult to alibi someone when all the evidence points towards their guilt.
Focus: difficult to alibi
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
She felt compelled to alibi her friend, even though she knew it might put her in a difficult position.
Focus: compelled to alibi
你说的：
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This sentence structure clearly conveys that the witness was vital in providing an alibi for the star, which was the defense's objective.
This arrangement logically flows from the attempt to provide an excuse (alibi) to the subsequent contradiction by evidence.
This sequence correctly shows the action of the friends (attempted to alibi) and the method they used (providing conflicting accounts).
/ 138 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
To 'alibi' means to offer proof or an explanation, often about being elsewhere, to clear someone of blame.
- prove absence
- provide excuse
- clear blame
Understand the Core Meaning
The verb 'alibi' primarily means to provide an explanation or evidence that someone was elsewhere when a crime or event occurred, thereby clearing them of blame. It's often used in legal contexts.
Distinguish from the Noun
Remember that 'alibi' can also be a noun, referring to the defense itself. As a verb, it's the act of providing that defense. For example, 'His friend tried to alibi him.'
Contextual Clues
Pay attention to surrounding words. If you see phrases like 'prove innocent,' 'provide an excuse,' or 'clear of responsibility,' the verb 'alibi' is likely being used in its broader sense.
Think of Synonyms
Consider synonyms like 'exonerate,' 'absolve,' 'vindicate,' or 'excuse.' While not always perfect replacements, they can help reinforce the meaning of 'alibi'.
例句
He asked his sister to alibi him if his parents asked where he had been all night.
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interdicthood
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preduccide
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antisalvacy
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preducible
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C1To strategically bypass or interpret around the literal boundaries of a law, regulation, or specific text. This verb describes the act of navigating through complex rules to find an alternative path without strictly violating the letter of the law.
legislate
C1指通过正式程序制定或颁布法律。通常指政府或立法机构讨论并批准规则的过程。
