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Definition of apologetically

apologetically

/əˌpɑː.ləˈdʒɛt̬.ɪ.kəl.i/
a · pol · o · get · i · cal · ly
Adjective:apologetic
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apologetically Lexical Profile

apologetically Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that expresses or shows regretful acknowledgment of an offense, mistake, or failure.

Example

"The waiter smiled apologetically as he explained that the kitchen had run out of the daily special."

2

By way of formal defense, justification, or vindication of a doctrine, belief, or position.

Example

"Early theologians wrote apologetically to defend their philosophical doctrines against external criticism."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for apologetically

• Nearby Words

apolitically
apollo
apologetic
apologetically
apologist
apologize
apologizer

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'apologetic' plus the adverbial suffix '-ally', ultimately tracing back to the Ancient Greek 'apologetikos' (defensible), from 'apo-' (away) and 'logos' (speech). While the root originally denoted a formal defense of one's beliefs, the adverb now almost exclusively describes an expression of regret.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Apologetically. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/apologetically
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