apologize
uh-POLL-uh-jize
/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/
To express regret or say sorry for a fault, failure, or insult.
This is the most general and common term for expressing regret. It can range from a casual 'sorry' to a formal public statement.
The story behind the word. Originally, an 'apologia' was a formal speech in defense of one's actions, such as Socrates' famous defense in court. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'defending yourself' to 'admitting you were wrong.'
Word relationships
- say sorry: More informal and common in spoken English.
- defend: To justify an action rather than admitting it was wrong.
Commonly confused with
- excuse: An excuse seeks to lessen blame, while an apology accepts it.
Word family
- apology (noun): The act of apologizing.
- apologetic (adjective): Showing or expressing regret.
Collocations
- apologize profusely
- apologize for the inconvenience
- sincerely apologize
Idioms & expressions
- owe someone an apology
Example sentences
- "I apologize for the delay in responding to your letter." A formal public statement.
- "He had to apologize, but the words felt like dry crackers in his mouth." A literary example of a forced apology.
Memory hook
Think of 'A-Polo-Guys': If you hit one of the polo guys with your horse, you better apologize! A defense that turned into a sorry.
When not to use
Avoid using this when a legal or financial payment is required; 'compensate' or 'indemnify' would be more appropriate in those cases.
Fun facts
- In the 16th century, an 'apology' was often a long, written book defending a religious or political position.
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