apology

[uh-pol-uh-jee]

noun

plural

apologies 

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 Word Forms

• reapology noun
• superapology noun

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

Inflammatory rhetoric, and even the incitement and praise of violence, is simply laughed off under the auspices of humor and pushed aside by a brief or private apology.

From Salon

"The grovelling apology to a state that supports and funds terrorism is a disgrace," far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote on X.

From BBC

They had demanded an apology over Israel's airstrike targeting the Hamas leadership team in Doha earlier this month.

From BBC

While Watson was gracious on social media, there has not been an official apology from the US team.

From BBC

Palestinians pursuing an apology from the UK over colonial-era war crimes allegations have urged the government to respond in light of its recognition this week of a state of Palestine.

From BBC

Related Words

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