apologetic

[ uh-pol-uh-jet-ik ]

/ əˌpɒl əˈdʒɛt ɪk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR apologetic 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.

Nearby words

Also a·pol·o·get·i·cal.

Origin of apologetic

1400–50; late Middle English apologetik a formal defense (< Middle French) < 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

Related forms

a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverbnon·a·pol·o·get·ic, adjectivenon·a·pol·o·get·i·cal, adjectivenon·a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverb

pseu·do·a·pol·o·get·ic, adjectivepseu·do·a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverbqua·si-a·pol·o·get·ic, adjectivequa·si-a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverbun·a·pol·o·get·ic, adjectiveun·a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for apologetic

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|DAILY BEAST
I would rather have more people like the original, now apologetic tweeter than those threatening him, “defending” people like me.
How Not to Reply to a Racist Tweet|Tauriq Moosa|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When she met her agents, Neubauer says, they were concerned and apologetic.
Spies, Lies, and Rape in the Air Force: An Undercover Agent's Story|Jacob Siegel|March 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sometimes, the people around me shake their heads and sigh, giving me apologetic looks.
Flying While Sikh: Why Racial Profiling Matters|Simran Jeet Singh|November 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST

But mixed with that portion of truth is a larger portion of polemic and apologetic.
My Pushback to Chris Hayes|David Frum|September 27, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I shall not proceed further to urge that the Christian apologetic in relation to biology has been successful.
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel
"I think five hundred pounds would clear me," he said in an apologetic tone.
Harding of Allenwood|Harold Bindloss
To one of its last stanzas Crabbe attached an apologetic note, one of the most remarkable ever penned.
Crabbe, (George)|Alfred Ainger
An apologetic tendency is perceptible in the Gospel account, and this may help to explain the rise of unhistorical elements.
The Churches and Modern Thought|Philip Vivian
"Yes," said Andrew in an apologetic tone, and started off on his favorite hobby.
Johnstone of the Border|Harold Bindloss

British Dictionary definitions for apologetic

apologetic

/ (əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk) /

adjective

expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite

protecting or defending in speech or writing

Derived Formsapologetically, 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

Word Origin and History for apologetic

apologetic

adj.

1640s, "vindicatory," from French apologétique, from Latin apologeticus, from Greek apologetikos "defensible," from apologeisthai (see apology). Meaning "regretfully acknowledging failure" is from 1855. As a noun, "formal defense," from early 15c. Related: Apologetics (c.1753).

apologetic

adjective

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Nearby words

Origin of apologetic

Examples from the Web for apologetic

apologetic

adjective

apologetic