apologize
verb
Did you know?
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
Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025
Beaty has apologized more than once in the past few weeks for water issues plaguing the town.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 Nov. 2025
At her sentencing in 2018, Geyser apologized to Leutner and her family.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025
After their conversation, Jax went straight to his mom to apologize as instructed.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apologize
Cite this Entry
“Apologize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apologize. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apologize
verb
Share