apology
apology Lexical Profile
apology Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A regretful acknowledgment of an offense, failure, or mistake, offered to make amends or ask for forgiveness.
"The airline issued a formal apology to all passengers affected by the unexpected flight cancellation."
A reasoned argument, speech, or writing in justification and defense of a theory, religious doctrine, or course of action.
"Plato's famous dialogue records the philosophical apology delivered by Socrates at his trial in Athens."
A very poor, inadequate, or scarcely recognizable substitute or specimen of something (usually followed by 'for').
"The dilapidated shed was a mere apology for a shelter during the heavy mountain rainstorm."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday usage, 'apology' denotes an expression of regret for a fault, whereas in theology, philosophy, and classical rhetoric (often spelled 'apologia'), it refers to a formal reasoned defense of a belief or doctrine rather than an admission of guilt.
• Rhymes for apology
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 16th century via Late Latin apologia from Ancient Greek apologia ('a speech in defense'), derived from apo ('away, off') and logos ('speech'). The word originally meant a formal self-justification before shifting toward an expression of regret for wrongdoing by the late 16th century.