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Synonyms

apologize

American  
[uh-pol-uh-jahyz] / əˈpɒl əˌdʒaɪz /
especially British, apologise

verb (used without object)

apologized, apologizing
  1. to offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury.

    He apologized for accusing her falsely.

  2. to make a formal defense in speech or writing.


apologize British  
/ əˈpɒləˌdʒaɪz /

verb

  1. to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults

  2. to make a formal defence in speech or writing

"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

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

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

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.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and concern caused to our customers,” Coupang CEO Park Dae-jun posted on the company’s website on Sunday, in a statement translated by Barron’s using online tools.

From Barron's

Later that year, he apologized and stepped down as chairman.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The comments were vulgar, offensive and false, and we apologize for the hurt they have caused,” the company said Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Citi apologized for the inconvenience caused to verified cardholders, saying it was focused on improving customer service and fighting against the “growing threat of bad actors” the industry is facing.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There were no injuries or widespread internet service outages. We’ve paid for the cable line’s repair for the customer and have apologized for the inconvenience this caused them.”

From Barron's