apologetic

CEFRC1

/əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk/

adjective · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Showing that you are sorry for something.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    A formal apology.

Examples

  • He was very apologetic for the mistake.

  • I don't like the apologetic undertone of this article.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
4
Synonyms
3

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.

  2. Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing.

noun

Extra meaning

  1. A defensive method of argument.

More examples

In context

  • He was apologetic for being absent.

  • His tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened.

  • Aberdeen Joint is a fine station. Its approach is a real approach, not an apologetic side-street; its granite building has a dignity in keeping with the famous city skyline it faces, [...].

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

His blank tone showed he deeply regretted his rude remark.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From French apologétique, from Latin apologēticus, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογητικός (apologētikós, “of or suitable for defense”), from ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai, “to speak in defense of”); see more at English apology.