Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for apologetic

apologetic

[ uh-pol-uh-jet-ik ]

adjective

  1. containing an apology or excuse for a fault, failure, insult, injury, etc.:

    An apologetic letter to his creditors explained the delay.

  2. defending by speech or writing.
  3. willing or eager to apologize.


apologetic

/ əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk /

adjective

  1. expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite
  2. protecting or defending in speech or writing


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • aˌpoloˈgetically, adverb

Discover More

Other Words From

  • a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly adverb
  • non·a·pol·o·get·ic adjective
  • non·a·pol·o·get·i·cal adjective
  • non·a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly adverb
  • pseu·do·a·pol·o·get·ic adjective
  • pseu·do·a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly adverb
  • qua·si-a·pol·o·get·ic adjective
  • qua·si-a·pol·o·get·i·cal·ly adverb
  • un·a·pol·o·get·ic adjective

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of apologetic1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English apologetik “a formal defense,” from Middle French or directly from Late Latin apologēticus “written defense, defensive,” Greek apologētikós “fit for defense,” equivalent to apologē- (variant stem of apologeîsthai “to speak in defense”; apologia ) + -tikos -tic

Discover More

Example Sentences

Unidentified students interviewed afterwards told reporters that the comedian seemed not necessarily apologetic about the controversy he had stirred.

It seemed so out of character, and he was so immediately apologetic, that Sapp blamed herself for not being supportive.

From Time

Katzenbach was appalled by Graham’s apologetic appeal to the rogue governor.

From Time

The distant buzz of a patrol ATV sealed our own fire’s fate as a mustachioed and apologetic lifeguard handed our group a bucket to douse the flames.

Osaka, the winner almost apologetic in posture, sank into the embrace of Williams, a legend she admires but an opponent she was again forced to vanquish.

[Haute Butch] is stepping into that area with such confidence and they are so non-apologetic.

Her borderline apologetic view is, frankly, a bit irksome, though not wholly unexpected based on Transmormon.

If anything, he is apologetic that he is being distracted with incoming emails about it.

ROME, Italy — Roderick MacDonald has been proven to be the worst kind of pedophile there is—an apologetic serial offender.

In fact, during visits like these, the parents are often downright apologetic about it.

He looked up wearily and met the fierce gaze of the chief inspector with a glance almost apologetic.

The works are of unequal merit; several of them took a high rank in apologetic literature.

I regarded this appalling deputation as Parvill's apologetic but quite definite utterances drew to an end.

But I hadn't got to the point, when Monson came lounging up the gangway, still acting apologetic.

"I've come to beg news," he announced, his apologetic smile very winning.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Apollyonapologetics