apology
Americannoun
plural
apologies-
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.
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a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.
- Synonyms:
- vindication
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(initial capital letter, italics) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.
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an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift.
The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.
noun
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an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing
-
a poor substitute or offering
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another word for apologia
Related Words
See excuse.
Other Word Forms
- reapology noun
- superapology noun
Etymology
Origin of apology
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
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.
She said she made an initial apology in a "personal" telephone conversation with the academic.
From BBC
Jenny's case was never solved due to corruption within the Met Police, but after hiring a lawyer she did receive an apology and "tens of thousands of pounds" as a settlement.
From BBC
But the judge ruled that they had been "innocent victims of a state crime" and ordered that their families be issued with an official apology and that the four victims be commemorated with a plaque.
From BBC
The London-born Hart, who honed his sourdough skills during seven years at San Francisco’s acclaimed Tartine Bakery, issued an apology online last week after his comments, which were made months ago, went viral.
From Los Angeles Times
Reiterating her apology, Constance said: "It was never my intention to have Professor Jay be the subject of so much intrusion and attention and I very much regret that."
From BBC
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.
