apologetic

[ uh-pol-uh-jet-ik ]

See synonyms for: apologetic apologetically on Thesaurus.com

adjective

containing an apology or excuse for a fault, failure, insult, injury, etc.: An apologetic letter to his creditors explained the delay.
defending by speech or writing.

willing or eager to apologize.
sorry; regretful.

Origin of apologetic

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”; see apologia) + -tikos-tic

Rarely a·pol·o·get·i·cal [uh-pol-uh-jet-i-kuhl] /əˌpɒl əˈdʒɛt ɪ kəl/ .

Other words from apologetic

a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverb
non·a·pol·o·get·ic, adjective
non·a·pol·o·get·i·cal, adjective
non·a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverb
pseu·do·a·pol·o·get·ic, adjective
pseu·do·a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverb
qua·si-a·pol·o·get·ic, adjective
qua·si-a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverb
un·a·pol·o·get·ic, adjective

Words Nearby apologetic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use apologetic in a sentence

Unidentified students interviewed afterwards told reporters that the comedian seemed not necessarily apologetic about the controversy he had stirred.
Dave Chappelle Goes Back to School. Lessons Learned? | Milton Coleman | December 17, 2021 | TruthBeTold.news
It seemed so out of character, and he was so immediately apologetic, that Sapp blamed herself for not being supportive.
How a Domestic Violence Exposé Ushered In a New Era for the Miss America Pageant | Amy Argetsinger | September 9, 2021 | Time
Katzenbach was appalled by Graham’s apologetic appeal to the rogue governor.
How Robert F. Kennedy Shaped His Brother's Response to Civil Rights | Patricia Sullivan | August 11, 2021 | Time
The distant buzz of a patrol ATV sealed our own fire’s fate as a mustachioed and apologetic lifeguard handed our group a bucket to douse the flames.
Environment Report: A Brief, Fiery Investigation of Beach Bonfire Rules | MacKenzie Elmer | May 10, 2021 | Voice of San Diego
Osaka, the winner almost apologetic in posture, sank into the embrace of Williams, a legend she admires but an opponent she was again forced to vanquish.
As Serena Williams nears the end, her greatness plays on in Naomi Osaka | Jerry Brewer | February 18, 2021 | Washington Post

[Haute Butch] is stepping into that area with such confidence and they are so non-apologetic.
Look Who’s Wearing The Pants: Haute Butch’s Gender-Blending Style | Nina Strochlic | October 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Her borderline apologetic view is, frankly, a bit irksome, though not wholly unexpected based on Transmormon.
Thank God! To the Church, This Transgender Woman Is Just a Skank | Emily Shire | October 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
If anything, he is apologetic that he is being distracted with incoming emails about it.
Dinner With James Deen During Porn’s Latest HIV Scare | Emily Shire | October 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
ROME, Italy — Roderick MacDonald has been proven to be the worst kind of pedophile there is—an apologetic serial offender.
Does a Perv Know Maddie McCann’s Fate? | Barbie Latza Nadeau | October 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In fact, during visits like these, the parents are often downright apologetic about it.
The Doctor’s Note Must Die! | Russell Saunders | September 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
He looked up wearily and met the fierce gaze of the chief inspector with a glance almost apologetic.
Dope | Sax Rohmer
The works are of unequal merit; several of them took a high rank in apologetic literature.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 | Various
I regarded this appalling deputation as Parvill's apologetic but quite definite utterances drew to an end.
The New Machiavelli | Herbert George Wells
But I hadn't got to the point, when Monson came lounging up the gangway, still acting apologetic.
The Belted Seas | Arthur Colton
"I've come to beg news," he announced, his apologetic smile very winning.
The Winning Clue | James Hay, Jr.

British Dictionary definitions for apologetic

apologetic

/ (əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk) /

adjective

expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite
protecting or defending in speech or writing

Derived forms of apologetic

apologetically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse