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noun Common

apologies

uh-PO-luhd-zheez

Apologies (noun) means expressions of regret for a fault or mistake (plural of apology). Example: “Please accept my apologies for the confusion.”

noun
1
Expressions of regret for a fault or mistake (plural of apology).
"Please accept my apologies for the confusion."
"The chair opened the meeting by reading out the apologies for absence."

How to Use Apologies

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMore than one expression of regret — or, in meeting minutes, the list of people who couldn't attend.

When to use it

"Apologies for absence" is a formal, common phrase in British meeting minutes.

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Test yourself on “apologies” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

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Please accept my _____ for the confusion.

Related Words

Rhymes for apologies

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “apologies” mean?

The word “apologies” means expressions of regret for a fault or mistake (plural of apology). In plain terms, more than one expression of regret — or, in meeting minutes, the list of people who couldn't attend.

How do you pronounce “apologies”?

“Apologies” is pronounced uh-PO-luhd-zheez (/əˈpɑləd͡ʒiːz/ in IPA).

How do you use “apologies” in a sentence?

Here is “apologies” used in a sentence: “Please accept my apologies for the confusion.”

What part of speech is “apologies”?

“Apologies” is a noun.

Is “apologies” a common word?

“Apologies” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between "apologies" and "apology"?

"Apology" is the singular form referring to one expression of regret, while "apologies" is the plural, either referring to multiple expressions of regret or used idiomatically as a polite, somewhat formal way of saying sorry, as in "my apologies for the delay."

Is "my apologies" grammatically correct, or should it be "my apology"?

Both are correct, but they carry a slightly different tone: "my apologies" is a common, somewhat formal idiom for expressing regret, while "my apology" more literally refers to a single specific act of apologizing. "My apologies" is the more frequently used phrase in polite speech and writing.

When should you say "apologies" instead of "sorry"?

"Apologies" tends to sound more formal and is often used in professional emails or written communication, such as "apologies for the inconvenience," whereas "sorry" is more casual and common in everyday speech.

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