apology
uh-POL-uh-jee
Apology (noun) means a statement expressing regret for a mistake or offense. Example: “I owe you an apology for being late again.”
noun
1
A statement expressing regret for a mistake or offense.
"I owe you an apology for being late again."
"He offered a sincere apology for the mix-up."
"The company issued a public apology after the incident."
How to use apology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaying sorry, formally or informally, for something wrong you did.
Common mistake
Note the shift in meaning over time — an "apology" once meant a formal defense of one's position, not admitting fault; that older sense survives in "apologia."
Common pairings
owe someone an apology
a heartfelt apology
demand an apology
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Word forms
- Plural
- apologies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I owe you an _____ for being late again.
Etymology
From Greek apologia, "a speech made in one's own defense," from apo- ("away/off") plus logos ("speech").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for apology
See all rhymes for apology →Frequently asked questions
What does “apology” mean?
The word “apology” means a statement expressing regret for a mistake or offense. In plain terms, saying sorry, formally or informally, for something wrong you did.
How do you pronounce “apology”?
“Apology” is pronounced uh-POL-uh-jee (/əˈpɑ.lə.d͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “apology” in a sentence?
Here is “apology” used in a sentence: “He offered a sincere apology for the mix-up.”
What part of speech is “apology”?
“Apology” is a noun.
Where does the word “apology” come from?
The word “apology” comes from Greek. From Greek apologia, "a speech made in one's own defense," from apo- ("away/off") plus logos ("speech").
Is “apology” a common word?
“Apology” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an apology and an excuse?
An apology is a statement expressing regret for a mistake or offense, and it accepts responsibility. An excuse explains or justifies the behaviour, usually to reduce responsibility. "I'm sorry I was late" is an apology; "the traffic was terrible" is an excuse — and many real statements try to be both at once.
Should you say my apology or my apologies?
Use the plural "my apologies" as the set phrase for saying sorry: "My apologies for the delay." The singular "my apology" is used when referring to a specific apology as a thing, as in "he refused to accept my apology."
What is the difference between apology and apologize?
Apology is the noun — the statement of regret itself — while apologize is the verb, the act of offering one: "She apologized" versus "She offered an apology." British English also spells the verb apologise.
Is writing "apologies" on its own an acceptable way to say sorry in an email?
Yes. "Apologies for the confusion" or simply "Apologies" is accepted, slightly brisk business shorthand for "I apologize." It reads as polite but efficient; for a serious mistake, a full sentence such as "I'm sorry" or "I sincerely apologize" sounds more genuine.
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