Apologetic: meaning, definitions and examples
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apologetic
[ əˌpɒl.əˈdʒet.ɪk ]
in a formal setting
feeling or expressing regret or remorse for a mistake or offense
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
apologetic |
Use this word when expressing a sense of regret in a slightly formal manner, often accompanied by an apology.
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regretful |
This word is appropriate when someone feels bad or wishes they had made a different choice.
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remorseful |
Best used when someone feels deep guilt or sorrow for a serious mistake or wrongdoing.
|
sorry |
This is a common way to express regret or an apology in both formal and informal situations.
|
Examples of usage
- She offered an apologetic smile after realizing her error.
- His apologetic tone indicated his sincere apology for the misunderstanding.
in a casual conversation
showing that you are sorry for having caused someone problems or unhappiness
Synonyms
contrite, penitent, repentant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
apologetic |
This word is used when someone feels sorry or regretful for something they have done or said, and they usually express this feeling. It is often used in everyday situations where someone is making an apology.
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contrite |
This word is often used to describe a deep and sincere regret for wrongdoing. It is a stronger expression of remorse than 'apologetic' and is commonly used in more serious situations, often with an emphasis on genuine guilt.
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penitent |
This word typically refers to someone who not only feels regretful for their sins or wrongdoings but also seeks forgiveness. It has a religious or moral undertone and is often used in formal contexts.
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repentant |
This word indicates a feeling of remorse and a desire to make amends for past wrongdoings. It carries a strong sense of turning away from past behavior and is often used in both secular and religious contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He gave her an apologetic look when he accidentally spilled his drink on her.
- The apologetic tone of his voice indicated his regret for the inconvenience.
Translations
Translations of the word "apologetic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desculpando
🇮🇳 माफी मांगने वाला
🇩🇪 entschuldigend
🇮🇩 meminta maaf
🇺🇦 вибачливий
🇵🇱 przepraszający
🇯🇵 謝罪の
🇫🇷 excuse
🇪🇸 disculpándose
🇹🇷 özür dileyen
🇰🇷 사과하는
🇸🇦 معتذر
🇨🇿 omlouvající se
🇸🇰 ospravedlňujúci sa
🇨🇳 道歉的
🇸🇮 opravičujoč se
🇮🇸 afsökunarbeiðandi
🇰🇿 кешірім сұраушы
🇬🇪 მოძველებული
🇦🇿 üzr istəyən
🇲🇽 disculpándose
Etymology
The word 'apologetic' originated from the Greek word 'apologetikos', meaning 'defensible'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to expressing regret or remorse. The term is commonly used in various contexts to convey a sense of apology or regret.
See also: apologetically, apologizing.