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

It’s a return to form for the real estate mogul who slapped his name on everything from hotels to neckties to steaks; in his beginning is his end, you might say, with apologies to T.S.

From Salon

"Formal apologies, truth-telling and education are all part of a wide range of measures."

From BBC

Now, Fielder is backing fresh calls for a formal apology from the government.

From BBC

OTTAWA—Air Canada Chief Executive Michael Rousseau issued an apology Thursday about his inability to speak French after facing sharp criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

From The Wall Street Journal

Through lawyers, Garnacho admitted speeding to Liverpool Magistrates' Court and issued an apology saying he was "embarrassed" by it.

From BBC

Related Words

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