apologetic

1 of 2

adjective

apol·​o·​get·​ic ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tik 

1

: feeling or showing regret : regretfully acknowledging fault or failure : expressing an apology

They were apologetic about the error.

We received an apologetic letter.

an apologetic smile/tone

2

: offered in defense or vindication

the apologetic writings of the early Christians

apologetically

ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

apologetic

2 of 2

noun

: apologetics sense 1

Synonyms

Adjective

• compunctious
• contrite
• penitent
• regretful
• remorseful
• repentant
• rueful
• sorry

Examples of apologetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In recent weeks, Musk has been less apologetic about the headcount reductions. —William Gavin, Quartz, 8 May 2024

The character is frequently forgetful and apologetic, and McAdams grounds her with a sort of awkward charm that feels completely lived-in. —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Late Latin apologēticus "defensive, justifying," borrowed from Greek apologētikós "suitable for defence, offered in defense," from apologē-, variant stem of apologéomai, apologeîsthai "to speak in defense, defend oneself, be an advocate for" (Late Greek, "be an advocate for the Christian faith") (from apo- apo- + -logeomai, -logeisthai, verbal derivative of lógos "word, speech, argument") + -t-, verbal adjective formative + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at legend

Noun

Middle English apologetik, borrowed from Medieval Latin apologēticus or apologēticum, noun derivatives from masculine and neuter of Late Latin apologēticus "defensive, justifying" — more at apologetic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

apologetic

adjective

apol·​o·​get·​ic

ə-ˌpäl-ə-ˈjet-ik

1

: offered by way of apology

an apologetic smile

2

: sorry for some fault or failure

apologetically

-ˈjet-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb