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

After the story broke, the candidate texted an apology to the woman, while contending that he remembered nothing of the episode.

From Los Angeles Times

“There is no excuse that this apology took 150 years to make,” he said, and “we should be ashamed” of such a “sin on our soul.”

From Los Angeles Times

All had the same legal representation and opened their evidence with an apology to the victims' families, some of whom were in the room.

From BBC

He also indicated that he might be asking for an apology.

From BBC

The group had asked for an apology allegedly made by one of the company's managers, who is accused by NewJeans of bullying, and the immediate reinstatement of Min.

From BBC

Related Words

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