DictionaryAI

apologize

verb
USuh-PAH-luh-jyz/əˈpɑləd͡ʒaɪz/uh-PO-luh-jyz/əˈpɒləd͡ʒaɪz/

Formsapologizes, apologizing, apologized

UK spellingapologise

3 meanings of apologize

Practice

  1. 1
    admit faultverbintransitive
    To say sorry for something you did wrong and show that you feel bad about it.

    Like stepping on someone's foot and quickly telling them you're sorry.

    He apologized to his sister for breaking her toy.

    I apologize for the mess I left in the kitchen.

    Note
  2. 2
    regret what happenedverbintransitive
    To say that you feel sorry that something has happened.

    She apologized that the school play had been canceled.

    We apologize for any delay to your train this morning.

    Similarregret

    Note
  3. 3
    defend a beliefverbdatedintransitive
    To speak or write in defense of a belief or person against criticism.
    To this purpose the most witty, cautious and subtile ſort of the Pagans apologize for themselves
    1660, H[enry] More, An Explanation of the Grand Mystery of GodlinessHere, apologize means to speak in defense of themselves against criticism.
    Note

Use it in a sentence

Write your own sentence with apologize, and AI will tell you whether it fits and which meaning you used.

Origin

It comes from "apology" plus "-ize." The word "apology" goes back to Greek words meaning "a speech in your own defense."