apologetic

²apologetic

adj

Definition of APOLOGETIC

1

a : offered in defense or vindication <the apologetic writings of the early Christians> b : offered by way of excuse or apology <an apologetic smile>

2

: regretfully acknowledging fault or failure : contrite <replied in an apologetic tone>

— apol·o·get·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of APOLOGETIC

1. We received an apologetic letter and a full refund from the company.
2. They were apologetic about the mistake.
3. She seemed almost apologetic about buying a new car.

Origin of APOLOGETIC

Greek apologētikos, from apologeisthai to defend, from apo- + logos speech

First Known Use: 1649

Related to APOLOGETIC

Synonyms: contrite, compunctious, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry

Antonyms: impenitent, remorseless, unapologetic, unrepentant

Related Words: ashamed, shamefaced, sheepish; dolorous, grieving, lugubrious, mournful, plaintive, sorrowful, wailing, weeping, woeful

Near Antonyms: compassionless, cruel, merciless, pitiless, ruthless, unmerciful; shameless, unashamed

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Rhymes with APOLOGETIC

antipyretic, peripatetic