apology

[ uh-pol-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural a·pol·o·gies.

1. a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another:

   He demanded an apology from me for calling him a crook.

2. a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.

   Synonyms: vindication

3. (initial capital letter, italics) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.
4. an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift:

   The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.

apology

/ əˈpɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing
2. a poor substitute or offering
3. another word for apologia

Other Words From

• re·a·pol·o·gy noun plural reapologies
• su·per·a·pol·o·gy noun plural superapologies

Word History and Origins

Origin of apology¹

First recorded in 1500–50; earlier apologie, late Middle English (from Middle French ), from Late Latin apologia, from Greek apología, “speech in self-defense; defense,” apologia

Word History and Origins

Origin of apology¹

C16: from Old French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek: a verbal defence, from apo- + logos speech

Synonym Study

See excuse.

Example Sentences

Writing on X, Myrie said: "An apology – I’ve had several administrative issues, and I didn’t fill out the correct paperwork for some of my external public events, so they haven’t been published until now."

From BBC

She added: "We've got a housing crisis in this country and therefore I make no apologies for the mandate that we were given to deliver the homes that people desperately need."

From BBC

Just last month he was forced to issue an apology on national TV, saying he was setting up an office overseeing the First Lady's duties.

From BBC

He concluded: "It's obvious to me I need to take some time out while this investigation is under way. I hope you understand and I do hope that you will accept this apology."

From BBC

After the story broke, the candidate texted an apology to the woman, while contending that he remembered nothing of the episode.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• admission
• amends
• atonement
• concession
• confession
• excuse
• explanation
• justification
• plea
• redress
• reparation