Apologetic: meaning, definitions and examples

😔
Add to dictionary

apologetic

 

[ əˌpɒl.əˈdʒet.ɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a formal setting

feeling or expressing regret or remorse for a mistake or offense

Synonyms

regretful, remorseful, sorry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
apologetic

Use this word when expressing a sense of regret in a slightly formal manner, often accompanied by an apology.

  • She gave him an apologetic smile after accidentally bumping into him.
  • He sounded apologetic when he explained why he was late.
regretful

This word is appropriate when someone feels bad or wishes they had made a different choice.

  • She was regretful about missing her friend's party.
  • He felt regretful for not taking the job offer.
remorseful

Best used when someone feels deep guilt or sorrow for a serious mistake or wrongdoing.

  • The thief was genuinely remorseful for his actions in court.
  • She was remorseful for hurting her friend's feelings.
sorry

This is a common way to express regret or an apology in both formal and informal situations.

  • I'm sorry for being late.
  • She said she was sorry for breaking the vase.

Examples of usage

  • She offered an apologetic smile after realizing her error.
  • His apologetic tone indicated his sincere apology for the misunderstanding.
Context #2 | Adjective

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?

arrow down
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.

  • Jane looked apologetic as she handed the broken vase back to her friend.
  • He offered an apologetic smile after accidentally stepping on my foot.
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.

  • The criminal's contrite confession moved the jury.
  • She felt truly contrite after realizing the impact of her harsh words.
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.

  • The penitent sinner sought absolution at the church.
  • He wrote a penitent letter to his family, asking for their forgiveness.
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.

  • The repentant thief returned the stolen goods to their rightful owner.
  • After years of estrangement, he came back to his hometown feeling repentant.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,637, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.