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

But he had a starring role in the opening ceremony of the competition on Wednesday night, standing contrite before the assembled grinning beauty queens where he offered an apology.

Read more on Barron's

The music video quickly went viral on YouTube and authorities considered charging him with sedition, but did not proceed after he made a public apology and removed the clip.

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With apologies to Leo Tolstoy, fanatics are all alike, while each moderate is moderate in their own way.

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On Wednesday morning, Mr Wishart then shared a post claiming he had received an apology from Grok - posting what appeared to be transcripts of a conversation he had with the chatbot on a separate app.

Read more on BBC

He writes: "The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands - ridiculous as it sounds, these are the things that make us British. I make no apology for it. I love it."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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