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
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of apologize
Explanation
When you apologize you admit that you did something wrong, and you say you’re sorry. The point of apologizing is usually to clear the slate and explain why you did what you did. We all make mistakes. Sometimes we even do bad things on purpose. But it can all be okay, so long as we apologize. Apologize comes from the Greek apologizesthai, which might be impossible to pronounce, but which means, “give an account.” When you accidentally run over your neighbor's flowerbed on your bike, you better be ready to apologize.
Vocabulary lists containing apologize
Bronx Masquerade
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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
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The Contender
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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.
The company did not respond to questions Tuesday, but earlier said that “we apologize for the ongoing disruption this incident is causing and our priority remains its safe resolution.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
“We sincerely apologize for the significant disruption to the many local residents and businesses who have had to be evacuated,” the spokesman said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
“We sincerely apologize for the impact these price revisions may have on our customers and other stakeholders, and we deeply appreciate your understanding,” Nintendo said in the news release.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
"Actually, I was wishing him the opposite of dead, but apologize if you found the image inappropriate," he wrote.
From BBC • May 8, 2026
“I do apologize, but we have strayed off topic. Where are my manners? I believe that introductions are in order. I don’t recall hearing your names.”
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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.
