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

apollonian, apollonius dyscolus, apollonius of perga, apollonius of rhodes, apollyon, apologetic, apologetics, apologia, apologia pro vita sua, apologist, apologize

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 apologetically

“We lead a life of glimpses & glances,” Emerson apologetically wrote of their time in his house.
Why Do Women Love Bad Men? A New Life of Margaret Fuller|Susan Cheever|March 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It was, he said apologetically, one of 22 evictions he had to carry out that day.
Hidden Victims of Eviction|Sasha Abramsky|February 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST
"Some poor friends of mine I met on the way hither," said Ravenshaw, apologetically.
Captain Ravenshaw|Robert Neilson Stephens
In that second the vanquished one writhed nimbly to his feet and slipped off apologetically through the snow.
Hoof and Claw|Charles G. D. Roberts

"I wouldn't keep it if 't warn't for her," said Aunt Hoskins apologetically.
A Summer in Leslie Goldthwaite's Life.|Mrs. A. D. T. Whitney
"Leave us to ourselves, please," Jim demanded, smiling at Aunt Ellen apologetically.
The Ranch Girls' Pot of Gold|Margaret Vandercook
"I didn't suppose I was quite so poor an impostor," I said apologetically, with a qualm at the word.
Blindfolded|Earle Ashley Walcott

British Dictionary definitions for apologetically

apologetic

/ (əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk) /

adjective

expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite

protecting or defending in speech or writing

Derived Forms

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