apologize

Definition

To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends

Etymology

From apology + -ize, from ἀπολογία (apología, “a speech in defense”), from ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai, “to speak in one’s defense”), from ἀπόλογος (apólogos, “an account, story”), compound of ἀπο- (apo-, “from, off”) and λόγος (lógos, “speech”); compare also ἀπολογίζομαι (apologízomai, “to render an account”).

Example Sentences

• "My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter."
• "Barnes was commanded, with Garrett and Jerome, to make a public acknowledgment of his errors; and to apologize especially for his insolent language to Gardiner"
• "Today I want to apologize to my co-workers."

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