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

Ms Nyachuru told the BBC it was not until 2021 that she received a written apology from Welby about the death of her brother, in which he admitted that Smyth was responsible and the church had failed her family.

From BBC

She wrote back describing the apology as "too little, too late" and is now calling for other senior church leaders who failed to intervene to prevent Smyth's abuse to resign: "I just think people of the church, if they see something not going in the right direction, if it needs the police they should go to the police."

From BBC

Later that year, the chief of the general staff of the Army sent an official apology to the McGreanery family and in 2013 an apology was also made by the armed forces minister, Andrew Robathan, in the House of Commons.

From BBC

Following the Makin review this month, the archbishop said he had considered resigning over its findings and repeated his apology.

From BBC

There has been no denial nor apology yet from Coote.

From BBC

Related Words

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