datum vs excuse

datum

noun
  • A premise from which conclusions are drawn. 

  • A floating reference point, or SLDMB, used to evaluate surface currents in a body of water. Often employed by coastal search and rescue. 

  • A fixed reference point or set of reference points which precisely define a system of measurement or a coordinate system. 

  • A fact known from direct observation. 

verb
  • To provide missing data points by using a mathematical model to extrapolate values that are outside the range of a measuring device. 

excuse

noun
  • Explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment; a plea offered in extenuation of a fault. 

  • A defense to a criminal or civil charge wherein the accused party admits to doing acts for which legal consequences would normally be appropriate, but asserts that special circumstances relieve that party of culpability for having done those acts. 

  • An example of something that is substandard or of inferior quality. 

verb
  • To provide an excuse for; to explain, with the aim of alleviating guilt or negative judgement. 

  • To forgive; to pardon. 

  • To relieve of an imputation by apology or defense; to make apology for as not seriously evil; to ask pardon or indulgence for. 

  • To allow to leave, or release from any obligation. 

How often have the words datum and excuse occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )