Apologize Meaning
/əˈpɒləˌd͡ʒaɪz/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends
verbTo express regret that a certain event has occurred.
Sentence Examples
I think that you ought to apologize to her.
You must apologize to her, and that at once.
We apologize for the late arrival of the train.
CEFR Practice Quiz
You should ____ to your colleague for the misunderstanding yesterday.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please ____ for the noise we are doing some renovations today.
Word Origin & History
From apology + -ize, from ἀπολογία (apología, “a speech in defense”), from ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai, “to speak in one’s defense”), from ἀπόλογος (apólogos, “an account, story”), compound of ἀπο- (apo-, “from, off”) and λόγος (lógos, “speech”); compare also ἀπολογίζομαι (apologízomai, “to render an account”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Barnes was commanded, with Garrett and Jerome, to make a public acknowledgment of his errors; and to apologize especially for his insolent language to Gardiner"
— 1856, James Anthony Froude, History of England from the fall of Wolsey to the death of Elizabeth:
"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 Godliness; […], London: […] J[ames] Flesher, for W[illiam] Morden […], →OCLC:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
You should ____ to your colleague for the misunderstanding yesterday.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Please ____ for the noise we are doing some renovations today.