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. See apologia
   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

During the game, and despite apologies, Brennaman, who happens to be a past donor to the Republican Party and candidates, was suspended and banished from the broadcast booth.

From Washington Blade

The notices appeared a day after Robinhood issued an apology on Twitter to customers who had experienced delays in placing their orders.

From Fortune

These can range from timely repayment of debts and abiding by laws, to spreading rumors, donating blood, and making “insincere” apologies.

From Fortune

The company responded with a blog post describing new policies it plans to enact, followed by an apology posted to Instagram yesterday.

From Fortune

I am happy to see this apology and look forward to seeing their demonstrated effort to make amends.

From Voice of San Diego

I remember H. Jon Benjamin told me it was a way-too-late apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

From The Daily Beast

In this cockamamie get-rich scheme, would they all issue an apology if he cut a check?

From The Daily Beast

What he has said publicly is an apology for colonialism, something we are not guilty of in Cuba.

From The Daily Beast

As reparation, the court ordered $563 to be paid out to Yang and required the clinic to post an apology on its website.

From The Daily Beast

This is not a woman who wants pity, nor does she want money, or even an apology from Cosby.

From The Daily Beast

Urbanity ushers in water that needs no apology, and gives a zest to the worst vintage.

From Project Gutenberg

“My sister is passionately fond of children,” said the elder lady, in smiling apology.

From Project Gutenberg

But Grandfather Mole told him to be gone, and to take the apology away with him.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked up at his word of apology, and they stood face to face—himself and Miss Ashton!

From Project Gutenberg

"You may speak freely before this gentleman," observed Mr. Carr, as if in apology for a third being present.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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