apologetic

[ uh-pol-uh-jet-ik ]

/ əˌpɒl əˈdʒɛt ɪk /

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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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Rarely a·pol·o·get·i·cal

[uh-pol-uh-jet-i-kuhl] /əˌpɒl əˈdʒɛt ɪ kəl/ .

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

OTHER WORDS FROM apologetic

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, adjective

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

How to use apologetic in a sentence

“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
Later, at a diner Dean apologetically says he only did it so they could have more money to travel on the road.
‘On the Road’: Differences Between Jack Kerouac’s Novel and This Year’s Film|Anna Klassen|December 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He too seems reluctant to talk, explaining apologetically there are dangers from both pro- and anti-Gaddafi loyalists.
Libya Is Still Riven by Violence as Loyalists and Rebels Alike Keep Killing|Jamie Dettmer|July 12, 2012|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

They crossed the road, and entered the huge shanty, and stood apologetically near the door.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
Well, sir,” said the old salt apologetically, “they told me as she were going down.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI|Robert Louis Stevenson
The native guard stands in the doorway apologetically fumbling with the key which he has just used in undoing the door.
Round the Wonderful World|G. E. Mitton
Mr. Treffry, putting on the brake, muttered apologetically: "A little out o'hand!"
Villa Rubein and Other Stories|John Galsworthy
He pointed almost apologetically to the small screen on his desk.
The Dark Door|Alan Edward Nourse

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

apologetic

Origin of apologetic

OTHER WORDS FROM apologetic

Words related to apologetic

How to use apologetic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for apologetic

Derived forms of apologetic