apologize

[uh-pol-uh-jahyz]

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.

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

Origin of apologize

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

Related formsa·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. 2018

Examples from the Web for apologise

Contemporary Examples of apologise

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
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
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
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
"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

Historical Examples of apologise

If I can find them I will forward them by you; if not, you must apologise for me.
The Letters of Robert Burns
Robert Burns
I told you I did not like to apologise, so you may know how sorry I am.
One Day's Courtship
Robert Barr
She seemed to apologise and at the same time to say to me, "If only you knew!"
Monday or Tuesday
Virginia Woolf
No message came from Henry; perhaps he expected her to apologise.
Howards End
E. M. Forster
Though he would build up his life without hers, she could not apologise.
Howards End
E. M. Forster

British Dictionary definitions for apologise

apologize

apologise

verb (intr)

to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults
to make a formal defence in speech or writing

Derived Formsapologizer 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

Word Origin and History for apologise

chiefly British English spelling of apologize; for suffix, see -ize. Related: Apologised; apologising.

apologize

1590s, "to speak in defense of;" see apology + -ize. Main modern sense "to regretfully acknowledge" is attested by 1725. The Greek equivalent, apologizesthai, meant simply "to give an account." Related: Apologized; apologizing.