apology
Americannoun
plural
apologies-
a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another.
He demanded an apology from me for calling him a crook.
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a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.
- Synonyms:
- vindication
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(initial capital letter, italics) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.
-
an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift.
The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.
noun
-
an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing
-
a poor substitute or offering
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another word for apologia
Related Words
See excuse.
Other Word Forms
- reapology noun
- superapology noun
Etymology
Origin of apology
First recorded in 1500–50; earlier apologie, late Middle English (from Middle French ), from Late Latin apologia, from Greek apología, “speech in self-defense; defense,” apologia
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I couldn’t even get a real apology just more pressure about signing sum papers I denied to sign over n over.”
From Los Angeles Times
Paul replied to the video, writing, “Worst part is my daughter having to relive and see it all over again years later after extensive work with her and apologies to her about that night.”
From Los Angeles Times
The Epstein files release rocked Norway’s political establishment, spurring an investigation into a former prime minister and drawing a public apology from the country’s crown princess.
Raudnitz said: "I'm instructed now in the clearest of clear terms the defendant would like to express through me his sincere apologies."
From BBC
A shop owner who received an anonymous apology and £100 in cash for a theft which took place 15 years ago has said he would "love to find out who it is".
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
