apologize
Americanverb (used without object)
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to offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury.
He apologized for accusing her falsely.
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to make a formal defense in speech or writing.
verb
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to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults
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to make a formal defence in speech or writing
Usage
Spelling tips for apologize The word apologize is hard to spell because it is pronounced like it might be spelled with two as and a j [ uh-pol-uh-jahyz ]. To make it even more confusing, apologize is the American English spelling of the word. In British English, it is spelled with an s: apologise.How to spell apologize: The easiest way to remember how to spell apologize is to break it into three parts: apo - log - ize. The suffix -ize is used to describe kinds of behavior. You can also pronounce it this way in your head to help the spelling stick.
Other Word Forms
- apologizer noun
- reapologize verb (used with object)
- unapologizing noun
Etymology
Origin of apologize
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He added: "I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve."
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
“Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve,” Rousseau said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
"I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve," he said.
From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026
Mullin did not apologize for his remarks and instead accused Paul of smearing his character.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026
“Don’t apologize; you’re right, I shouldn’t have said that. It’s just so...frustrating! Where are all your friends? Zara, Omi, Max...”
From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
