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apologize
This term conveys a social act of seeking forgiveness or acknowledging a fault. It carries a tone of humility and submission, often used to restore a damaged relationship or to maintain professional decorum after a lapse in judgment or performance.
While it can be a sincere expression of remorse, it is frequently employed as a formal social lubricant in corporate or diplomatic settings to mitigate conflict without necessarily implying deep emotional guilt. It differs from "regret" in that it is an active, outward communication directed toward another party rather than an internal feeling.
Meanings
Examples
I apologize.
Please apologize now.
They apologize often.
I apologized to her yesterday.
He apologized for the noise.
We apologized for the mistake.
I must apologize for missing your graduation.
The detective apologized for the sudden intrusion.
I apologize for my behavior last night.
The CEO apologized for the systemic failure.
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
The diplomat apologized to avoid a conflict.
Collocations & Compounds
profusely apologize
Verb collocation: to apologize many times or with great intensity
He apologized profusely for forgetting their anniversary.
publicly apologize
Verb collocation: to make an apology in a forum where many people can hear or see it
The politician was forced to publicly apologize for his remarks.
unreservedly apologize
Verb collocation: to apologize fully and without any qualifications or excuses
The organization apologized unreservedly for the oversight.
formally apologize
Verb collocation: to make an official apology, often in writing or through a ceremony
The embassy will formally apologize for the diplomatic breach.
hesitate to apologize
Verb collocation: to be reluctant or slow to express regret
He is too proud to hesitate to apologize when he knows he is wrong.
Phrasal Verbs
apologize for
to express regret for a specific action or mistake
She apologized for being late to the meeting.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'apologia', meaning a formal defense or a speech in defense of one's actions (from 'apo-' meaning 'away' and 'logia' meaning 'speech').
It entered English via the Latin 'apologia' and the Middle French 'apologiser'. Originally, it referred to a formal justification or defense of a position. Over time, the meaning shifted from defending one's actions to expressing regret or admitting a fault.