To give a reasoned defense of a belief, action, or work, especially in formal writing.
Examples
The preface apologizes for the author's methods.
The essay apologizes for a controversial doctrine.
Several pamphlets apologized for the rebellion.
The treatise apologizes for faith in rational terms.
He apologized for the policy rather than retracting it.
Similar words
defend
justify
vindicate
argue for
make a defense
offer an apologia
Etymology
Formed in the 1590s from apology + -ize. The older sense was to speak in defense, while the regret sense is recorded from the early eighteenth century.
FAQ
What does apologize mean?
Apologize usually means to say sorry for harm, trouble, or a mistake.
Is apologize a verb?
Yes. Apologize is a verb, and the related noun is apology.
Do you apologize for something or apologize to someone?
Use apologize for the action or problem and apologize to the person affected.
What is the past tense of apologize?
The regular past tense is apologized.
What is the British spelling of apologize?
The common British spelling is apologise, with s.
Can apologize mean defend?
Yes, but that formal sense is rare and usually belongs to writing about a defense or justification.
What is a synonym of apologize?
In the common sense, say sorry and express regret are close synonyms.
How is apologize pronounced?
Apologize is pronounced /əˈpɑːlədʒaɪz/.
Where does apologize come from?
Apologize was formed from apology and -ize, with an older sense of speaking in defense.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
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Spry Gazelle
Jul 13
apologise still looks right to me, my spellchecker is the confused one lol
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Subtle Tapir
Jun 27
i'd add that I apologize if you were offended is the famous half-apology wording. Grammatically ok, but people hear the if as dodging blame. I apologize for what I said lands very differently
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Misty Seal
Jun 29
This is exactly why PR apologies get dragged online, the grammar is fine but the apology isnt
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Zesty Newt
Jul 6
In HR at my old job they told managers to avoid if anyone was offended unless they truly meant no fault was known.
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Witty Koala
Jun 17
for daily speech I wouldnt reach for I apologize first. with friends, sorry or I'm really sorry sounds warmer. I apologize is more work-email / announcement language to my ear
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Winter Dolphin
Jun 22
Same in the US for me. I apologize can be sincere, but it has a suit-and-tie feeling.
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Rapid Meerkat
Jun 22
yeah, if my brother said I apologize for eating the last slice I would assume he was joking
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Fearless Seal
Jun 23
For customer emails I actually prefer it, because sorry five times in one message starts to sound childish