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.
4.
sorry; regretful.
Also, a⋅pol⋅o⋅get⋅i⋅cal.
Origin: 1400–50; late ME apologetik a formal defense (< MF) < LL apologēticus written defense, defensive < Gk apologētikós fit for defense, equiv. to apologē- (var. s. of apologeîsthai to speak in defense; see apologia) + -tikos-tic