Definition of 'apologize'

Word Frequency

apologize

(əpɒlədʒaɪz )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense apologizes , present participle apologizing , past tense apologized regional note: in BRIT, also use apologise

verb

When you apologize to someone, you say that you are sorry that you have hurt them or caused trouble for them. You can say 'I apologize' as a formal way of saying sorry.

Two years ago, Congress formally apologized for the internment. [V for n/-ing]

I apologize for being late. [VERB + for]

Costello later apologized, saying he'd been annoyed by the man. [VERB]

He apologized to the people who had been affected. [VERB + to]

[Also VERB with quote]

Synonyms: say sorry, express regret, ask forgiveness, make an apology More Synonyms of apologize

Video: pronunciation of 'apologize'

Word Frequency

apologize in British

or apologise (əˈpɒləˌdʒaɪz )

verb (intransitive)

to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults

to make a formal defence in speech or writing

Derived forms

apologizer (aˈpoloˌgizer) or apologiser (aˈpoloˌgiser)

noun

Word Frequency

apologize in American

(əˈpɑləˌdʒaɪz ; əpälˈəjīzˌ)

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈpoloˌgized or aˈpoloˌgizing

to make an apology; acknowledge, and express regret for, a fault, wrong, etc.

to make a formal defense in speech or writing

Derived forms

apologizer (aˈpoloˌgizer)

noun

Word Frequency

apologize in Hospitality

(əpɒlədʒaɪz)

Word forms: (present) apologizes, (past) apologized, (perfect) apologized, (progressive) apologizing

verb

(Hospitality (hotel): General)

When you apologize to someone, you say that you are sorry that you have caused trouble for them.

COLLOCATIONS:

~ for~ to

The guest apologized for arriving late.

The manager apologized to the people who had been affected by the leak.

We apologize for any inconvenience this problem may cause our customers.

Useful phrases Apologizing formallyThe simplest way of apologizing for something that is not serious is to say I'm sorry or (for more emphasis), I'm very sorry or I'm so sorry.More formal ways of apologizing are I do apologize and I beg your pardon.To make a very formal apology, especially in writing, use Please accept my/our apologies.

Example sentences containing 'apologize'

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On Monday afternoon, he publicly apologized for the pain he has caused his family. Christianity Today (2000)I apologized absolutely saying that I had entirely forgotten in my enthusiasm and was very sorry. Stewart, Bob (Lt-Col) Broken Lives (1993)