verb
apologize
uh-PO-luh-jyz
verb
1
To say sorry; to express regret for a mistake or wrongdoing.
"He apologized to his sister for forgetting her birthday."
"The company apologized publicly after the data breach."
How to Use Apologize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tell someone you're sorry for something you did or said.
UK vs US
British English also allows "apologise" with an "s"; American English uses "apologize."
Common pairings
apologize for
apologize profusely
apologize to someone
Word Forms
apologized past tense, apologizes singular
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He _____ to his sister for forgetting her birthday.
Etymology
From "apology" plus the verb-forming suffix "-ize," ultimately from Greek apologia, "a speech in one's defense."