Apologize: meaning, definitions and examples

😔
Add to dictionary

apologize

 

[ əˈpɒl.ə.dʒaɪz ]

Context #1 | Verb

formal

To express regret for something that one has done wrong; to offer an apology or excuse for one's actions.

Synonyms

express regret, make amends, say sorry

Examples of usage

  • She apologized for being late to the meeting.
  • He apologized to his friend for forgetting their birthday.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To say sorry or acknowledge a mistake or offense, often in a casual or relaxed manner.

Synonyms

make excuses, offer an explanation, say sorry

Examples of usage

  • He apologized for stepping on her foot.
  • She quickly apologized for the misunderstanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "apologize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pedir desculpas

🇮🇳 माफी माँगना (maafi maangana)

🇩🇪 sich entschuldigen

🇮🇩 meminta maaf

🇺🇦 вибачатися

🇵🇱 przepraszać

🇯🇵 謝る (ayamaru)

🇫🇷 s'excuser

🇪🇸 disculparse

🇹🇷 özür dilemek

🇰🇷 사과하다 (sagwahada)

🇸🇦 اعتذر (iʿtadhar)

🇨🇿 omlouvat se

🇸🇰 ospravedlňovať sa

🇨🇳 道歉 (dàoqiàn)

🇸🇮 opravičevati se

🇮🇸 biðjast afsökunar

🇰🇿 кешірім сұрау (keşirim surau)

🇬🇪 მოხსნა ბოდიშის (mokhsna bodishis)

🇦🇿 üzr istəmək

🇲🇽 disculparse

Etymology

The word 'apologize' originated from the Greek word 'apologia', which means 'a speech in defense'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include expressing regret or acknowledging fault. The concept of apologizing has been a part of human communication for centuries, as a way to mend relationships and show humility.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,623, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.