apology

noun apol·o·gy \ə-ˈpä-lə-jē\

: a statement saying that you are sorry about something : an expression of regret for having done or said something wrong

apologies : an expression of regret for not being able to do something

: something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize

plural apol·o·gies

Full Definition of APOLOGY

a : a formal justification : defense

b : excuse 2a

: an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret <a public apology>

: a poor substitute : makeshift

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Origin of APOLOGY

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek, from apo- + logos speech — more at legend

First Known Use: 1533

Related to APOLOGY

Synonyms: alibi, excuse, defense, justification, plea, reason

Synonym Discussion of APOLOGY

apology, apologia, excuse, plea, pretext, alibi mean matter offered in explanation or defense. apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to mitigating or extenuating circumstances <said by way of apology that he would have met them if he could>. apologia implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position <his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy>. excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure <used illness as an excuse for missing the meeting>. plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy <her usual plea that she was nearsighted>. pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation <used any pretext to get out of work>. alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes mere plausibility to the explanation <his alibi failed to stand scrutiny>.