apology

[ uh-pol-uh-jee ]

noun

, plural a·pol·o·gies.

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 Words From

• re·a·pol·o·gy noun plural reapologies
• su·per·a·pol·o·gy noun plural superapologies

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

Instead, they believe great power is about crushing others without apology.

From Salon

He offered an official apology to Native Americans for the US government’s long history of removing Native American children from their families and forcing them into boarding schools.

From NewsForKids.net

He offered an official apology to Native Americans for the US government’s long history of removing Native American children from their families and forcing them into boarding schools.

From NewsForKids.net

He offered an official apology to Native Americans for the US government’s long history of removing Native American children from their families and forcing them into boarding schools.

From NewsForKids.net

The star of Disney's upcoming "Snow White" remake shared an apology to Instagram on Friday, shortly after conservative commentator Megyn Kelly called for her to be removed from the live-action retelling.

From Salon

Related Words

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