apologize

[ uh-pol-uh-jahyz ]

/ əˈpɒl əˌdʒaɪz /

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See synonyms for: apologize / apologizing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), a·pol·o·gized, a·pol·o·giz·ing.

to offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury: He apologized for accusing her falsely.

to make a formal defense in speech or writing.

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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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Also especially British, a·pol·o·gise .

Origin of apologize

First recorded in 1590–1600; apolog(y) + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM apologize

a·pol·o·giz·er, nounre·a·pol·o·gize, verb (used with object), re·a·pol·o·gized, re·a·pol·o·giz·ing.un·a·pol·o·giz·ing, noun

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

How to use apologize in a sentence

Apple had apologized over this issue, but it also required WordPress to ensure that app users could not get to its pricing page.
Apple revises App Store rules to permit game streaming apps, clarify in-app purchases and more|Sarah Perez|September 11, 2020|TechCrunch
Gonzalez told the Bee she’s apologized to Wicks, but still seemed to reject the idea that Rendon was at fault or that Wicks was “forced” to vote in person.
Morning Report: Downtown Jail Outbreak Goes From Bad to Worse|Voice of San Diego|September 11, 2020|Voice of San Diego
Facebook has apologized for what it has described as a “technical issue” that caused its ads to appear on news publisher websites without those publishers’ permission.
Facebook says ‘technical issue’ caused its ads to appear on publisher websites without their permission|Lara O'Reilly|September 9, 2020|Digiday
He refused to apologize after multiple opportunities to do so.
Republicans’ Relative Silence on Krvaric Video Is Deafening|Jacob Mandel|September 1, 2020|Voice of San Diego

Glossier, for its part, apologized on Instagram yesterday, and released new policies it plans to enact following an open letter from over 50 ex-employees who were laid off after Glossier closed its physical stores.
Does ‘the customer is always right’ mean ignoring racism?|Lucinda Shen|August 18, 2020|Fortune
Do say ‘Olga, there has been a misunderstanding, for which I wanted to apologise.’
How To Fire Your Maid, By A Russian Oligarch|Tom Sykes|October 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Miss Berki said that the heiress later e-mailed to apologise for any misunderstanding.
Masseuse Claims Assault by Russell Brand|Tom Sykes|August 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Step away politely, apologise profusely, and find a taxi, pronto.
Does California’s College Rape Bill Go Too Far In Regulating Sex?|Emma Woolf|June 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I didn't mean to convey any discourtesy and I apologise if I did.
Ryanair Boss Apologises For Queen Sex Joke|Tom Sykes|April 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
"For those of you expecting Harry Styles, I apologise and no, I'm not going to sing," Harry told the crowd.
Cressida At Harry's Side At Official Event - Engagement Rumors Ramp Up!|Tom Sykes|March 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You did,” replied Katie with a slight frown, “and I hope you have come to apologise for your naughty conduct.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands|R.M. Ballantyne
He refused in the House of Commons to apologise for these words, and was supported in his refusal by both sides of the House.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
I cannot tire you, I am sure, on this subject, or I would apologise.
Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters|William Austen-Leigh and Richard Arthur Austen-Leigh
It's for me to apologise; I must have deserved what you said, or I know you would not have said it.
We Ten|Lyda Farrington Kraus
But they did apologise, all the same, and very soon after, too.
We Ten|Lyda Farrington Kraus

British Dictionary definitions for apologize

apologize

apologise

/ (əˈpɒləˌdʒaɪz) /

verb (intr)

to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults

to make a formal defence in speech or writing

Derived forms of apologize

apologizer or apologiser, noun

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

apologize

Origin of apologize

OTHER WORDS FROM apologize

Words related to apologize

How to use apologize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for apologize

apologise

Derived forms of apologize