Definition of 'apology'

Word Frequency

apology

(əpɒlədʒi )

Word forms: plural apologies

1. variable noun

An apology is something that you say or write in order to tell someone that you are sorry that you have hurt them or caused trouble for them.

I didn't get an apology.

We received a letter of apology.

He made a public apology for the team's performance.

Synonyms: regret, explanation, excuse, confession More Synonyms of apology

2. plural noun [usually poss NOUN]

If you offer or make your apologies, you apologize.

[formal]

His mother offered her apologies to the Jones family.

When Mary finally appeared, she made her apologies to Mrs Madrigal.

make no apologies

Video: pronunciation of 'apology'

Word Frequency

apology in British

(əˈpɒlədʒɪ )

noun plural -gies

an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing

a poor substitute or offering

3. another word for apologia

Word origin of 'apology'

C16: from Old French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek: a verbal defence, from apo- + logos speech

Word Frequency

apology in American

(əˈpɑlədʒi ; əpälˈəjē)

nounWord forms: plural aˈpologies

a formal spoken or written defense of some idea, religion, philosophy, etc.

an acknowledgment of some fault, injury, insult, etc., with an expression of regret and a plea for pardon

an inferior substitute; makeshift

he is a poor apology for an actor

Word origin of 'apology'

LL(Ec) apologia < Gr, a speaking in defense < apologeisthai, to speak in defense < apo-, from + logos, speech: see logic

Word Frequency

apology in Hospitality

(əpɒlədʒi)

Word forms: (plural) apologies

noun

(Hospitality (hotel): General)

An apology is something that you say or write in order to tell someone that you are sorry that you have caused trouble for them.

COLLOCATIONS:

make an ~

I didn't get an apology for the mistake.

He wrote a letter of complaint to the manager and received a letter of apology.

Please accept my apologies for bothering you.

Talking about apologiesTo make an apology is to say sorry for something you have done, especially in a formal context.You might say you owe someone an apology if you feel you must say sorry to them for something you have done.To accept someone's apology is to say that you understand that someone is sorry and are no longer angry with them.To demand an apology is to tell someone that they must say sorry for something they have done.

Example sentences containing 'apology'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

We offer our profound apologies to anyone affected. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The man received an apology and the law firm’s demands for money ended. Computing (2010)We thank you for accepting his apology to stay away for one day. Times, Sunday Times (2016)He lodged a complaint to police and has now received a formal letter of apology. The Sun (2016)Ms Park has made two public apologies but denies committing any crime. Times, Sunday Times (2016)And yet they've still not received a single apology. The Sun (2016)At work, accepting an apology without any fuss is a smart move. The Sun (2016)The club need to get their heads out of the sand, make an apology and say something properly. Times, Sunday Times (2016)After a four-year legal battle he has received a letter of apology and a thank you from the police. Times, Sunday Times (2016)I make no apology for that. Times, Sunday Times (2017)The letter did not include any apology or regret for the evidence he gave this month. Times, Sunday Times (2010)She offers her apologies for leaving the meeting early. Times, Sunday Times (2008)You have also received an apology for the delay. The Sun (2014)Again and again he encouraged the historian to make a public apology. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have incurred. Times, Sunday Times (2013)He sat at the table with the same old excuses and apologies. Turner, Janine Behind Closed Doors - advice for families with violence in the home (1988)It will send out letters of apology this month. Times, Sunday Times (2015)His most eloquent apology for colonialism comes towards the end of the book. The Times Literary Supplement (2010)He made a public apology to the family earlier this week. Times, Sunday Times (2011)We offer our sincere apologies for this oversight on our part. Times, Sunday Times (2011)He has made a public apology expressing his regret of the whole incident. The Sun (2012)Clearly he is not offering an apology. The Sun (2011)Sources said that neither had received an apology from the minister. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Please accept my apologies for mentioning this at all. Times, Sunday Times (2009)He has also received a letter of apology. Times, Sunday Times (2006)We also recognised the swift and sincere apology by the presenter. Times, Sunday Times (2015) Public apologies are not his thing. Times, Sunday Times (2015)We've heard countless excuses but no apology. The Sun (2008)The explanation and an apology did not come until October. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Such stories are recounted with a hint of apology and regret; he is latterly careful about feelings. Times, Sunday Times (2006)I make no apologies for doing so again. Times, Sunday Times (2013)He writes that apologies are'due all round '. The Times Literary Supplement (2011)He says that wronged individuals'may need to hear contrition or an apology from the perpetrator of crime before they feel able to forgive him '. Times, Sunday Times (2006)