apology
Apology (noun) means a statement expressing regret for a mistake or offense. Example: “He offered a sincere apology for the mix-up.”
How to Use Apology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaying sorry, formally or informally, for something wrong you did.
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."
Word Forms
apologies plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He offered a sincere _____ for the mix-up.
Etymology
From Greek apologia, "a speech made in one's own defense," from apo- ("away/off") plus logos ("speech").
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.
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