apology

[uh-pol-uh-jee]

noun

plural

apologies 

1. 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.

2. a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.

   Synonyms: vindication

3. (initial capital letter, italics),  a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.

4. an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift.

   The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.

apology

/ əˈpɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing

2. a poor substitute or offering

3. another word for apologia

Other Word Forms

• reapology noun
• superapology noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of apology¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of apology¹

C16: from Old French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek: a verbal defence, from _apo- + logos speech

Synonym Study

See excuse.

Example Sentences

He offered sincere apologies for the actions of the ambulance service.

From BBC

Mortified, she enters the studio in a garbled flurry of apologies.

From BBC

So, apologies to my City folk but I went back to last season and which team went the furthest.

From BBC

As of this post, there have been no reports of advertiser pullouts or formal network statements beyond the on-air apology.

From Salon

The settlement did not include a statement of apology or regret.

From BBC

Related Words

• acknowledgment 
• admission 
• amends 
• atonement 
• concession 
• confession 
• excuse 
• explanation 
• justification 
• plea 
• redress 
• reparation