apology

Definition

An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry).

Etymology

From French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογία (apología, “a speech in defence”), from ἀπολογοῦμαι (apologoûmai, “I speak in my defense”), from ἀπόλογος (apólogos, “an account, story”), from ἀπό (apó, “from, off”) (see apo-) + λόγος (lógos, “speech”). Doublet of apologia. By surface analysis, apo- + -logy.

Example Sentences

• "What he said really hurt my feelings, but his apology sounded so sincere that I couldn't help but forgive him."
• "The CEO made a public apology for the scandal, and promised full cooperation with the authorities."
• "the Apology of Socrates"

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