apology

American  

[uh-pol-uh-jee] / əˈpɒl ə dʒi /

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.

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apology British  

/ 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

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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

Days later, he offered a more direct apology to the victims of the disgraced financier, telling Newsnight he was "wrong" to continue associating with Epstein.

From BBC

In comments beneath his post, several X users demanded an apology from the senator for promoting the manipulated image.

From Barron's

Of course there are still detractors, but in an era in which public cancellations abound and apologies are scrutinized for any whiff of inauthenticity, Milli Vanilli’s wrongdoings can now seem quaint.

From Los Angeles Times

Two days later, he gave a statement to Newsnight offering a personal apology to the victims of Epstein.

From BBC

The driver calls out an apology as I land in a bush.

From Literature

Related Words

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