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apologize

verb
apol·​o·​gize | \ -ˌjÄ«z How to pronounce apologize (audio) \
apologized; apologizing

Definition of apologize

intransitive verb

: to express regret for something done or said : to make an apology He apologized for his mistake. She apologized to us for losing her temper.
Other Words from apologize Does apologize always mean "to say 'I'm sorry'"? More Example Sentences Learn More about apologize

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Other Words from apologize

apologizer noun

Does apologize always mean "to say 'I'm sorry'"?

The verb apologize is a surprisingly recent introduction to the English language when one stops to consider that we have likely been committing deeds which require an apology since time immemorial. Our earliest current record of use comes at the end of the 16th century, in the writing of Thomas Nash:

”
.but as the Elephant and the Rinoceros neuer fight but about the best pastures, so will I winne from him his best Patrons, and driue him to confesse himselfe a Conundrum, who now thinks he hath learning inough to proue the saluation of Lucifer; Apologize it for him as many Chutes, Barnesses, or vile riggers, or Fregeuiles as there will.”

The earliest uses of apologize more often meant “to offer an excuse or defense” than “to acknowledge a fault.” The verb came into our language from the noun apology, which similarly had an initial meaning (beginning in the early 16th century) that did not necessarily acknowledge fault (“something said or written in defense or justification of what appears to others to be wrong or of what may be liable to disapprobation”).

Examples of apologize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The fireworks came one day after Brown stood before the team with captains at his side and apologized for a confrontation with Mayock. — Jerry Mcdonald, The Mercury News, "Raiders fine Antonio Brown, void guarantees; he wants his release: report," 7 Sep. 2019 The video appeared to show the actor Kit Harrington, dressed as Jon Snow, apologizing for his lack of dialogue and the generally dissatisfying final season in a rousing speech. — David Singer, The Hollywood Reporter, "How Hollywood Can (and Can’t) Fight Back Against Deepfake Videos (Guest Column)," 7 Sep. 2019 In response, Sephora apologized to Leslie on Twitter, asking to connect with her and her makeup artist directly. — Jessica Schiffer, Teen Vogue, "Inside SephoraNoir, A Dedicated Resource Group for Black Sephora Employees," 29 Aug. 2019 The on-air apology came two days after Spencer apologized via Instagram following the initial blowback. — Laura Hanrahan, Woman's Day, "‘GMA's Lara Spencer Apologizes For Her 'Insensitive' Prince George Comments, But People Say It's Not Enough," 26 Aug. 2019 Coach Riley apologized as well–and even invited me to come speak to his football players. — Brenda Tracy, Health.com, "I Was Gang-Raped by 4 Men—Here's What We Need to Stop Sexual Violence," 20 Aug. 2019 Our call keeps dropping, and the impeccably mannered Mireya keeps apologizing. — Dennis Leupold; Fashion Editor: Miguel Enamorado, Harper's BAZAAR, "Crazy Rich Angelenos," 15 Aug. 2019 In April, Huffman apologized to the public and then pled guilty to federal charges. — Julyssa Lopez, Glamour, "Get Ready: Lifetime Is Making a Movie About the College Admissions Scandal," 24 July 2019 Spencer apologized after celebrities and viewers accused Spencer of shaming the child for his passion in a since-expired Instagram story. — Briana Rice, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Ballet to 'Good Morning America' host Lara Spencer: 'Let’s empower all children'," 27 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apologize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of apologize

1596, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for apologize

see apology

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More Definitions for apologize

apologize

verb
apol·​o·​gize | \ ə-ˈpĂ€-lə-ˌjÄ«z How to pronounce apologize (audio) \
apologized; apologizing

Kids Definition of apologize

: to express regret for having done or said something wrong

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More from Merriam-Webster on apologize

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with apologize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for apologize

Spanish Central: Translation of apologize

Nglish: Translation of apologize for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of apologize for Arabic Speakers

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