apologetic

Rarely a·pol·o·get·i·cal

[uh-pol-uh-jet-ik]

adjective

1. containing an apology or excuse for a fault, failure, insult, injury, etc..

   An apologetic letter to his creditors explained the delay.

2. defending by speech or writing.

3. willing or eager to apologize.

4. sorry; regretful.

apologetic

/ əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk /

adjective

1. expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite

2. protecting or defending in speech or writing

Other Word Forms

• apologetically adverb
• nonapologetic adjective
• nonapologetical adjective
• nonapologetically adverb
• pseudoapologetic adjective
• pseudoapologetically adverb
• quasi-apologetic adjective
• quasi-apologetically adverb
• unapologetic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apologetic¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English apologetik “a formal defense,” from Middle French or directly from Late Latin apologēticus “written defense, defensive,” Greek apologētikós “fit for defense,” equivalent to apologē- (variant stem of apologeîsthai “to speak in defense”; apologia ) + -tikos -tic

Example Sentences

It’s in Puerto Rico, a fact that organizers seem apologetic about.

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In addition to prosecutors detailing Combs' abuse, the court heard from several of Combs' children, some openly sobbing; defence attorneys who called him inspiring; and finally, an apologetic Combs himself.

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Buggy Bear is no exception, the giant bear’s face looks world-weary and slightly apologetic.

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Usually the scenario brings an apologetic raise of the hand from the player who has benefitted.

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When he phoned to ask why his knee replacement had been delayed, he was told by an "apologetic" secretary that he would have to wait another year due to budget cuts.

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Related Words

• conciliatory 
• contrite 
• regretful 
• remorseful 
• repentant 
• sorry