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Apologetic

Showing regret for having done something wrong; expressing apology or remorse.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine someone accidentally spilling coffee on a friend's shirt, pausing, and speaking in a soft, sincere tone: 'I’m really sorry about that. Let me help clean this up.'

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Sounds Like

uh-pol-uh-JET-ik

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Looks Like

Looks like the word apology; shares the same root and conveys a remorseful or defensive context.

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Remember This

Apologetic relates to apology and implies a mood or attitude of regret or willingness to make amends.

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Other Forms

apologeticallyadverb

apologynoun

apologizeverb

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Connect With

remorse, contrite, regretful, apology, apologize

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Note

Do not confuse with 'apologist' (a defender of a belief) or with 'apology' (the noun for the act or expression of regret). Apologetic describes how one feels or acts, not the defense of a position.

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Study Deeper

Examples

She was apologetic after missing the meeting and sent a thorough explanation.
Her apologetic letter admitted the mistake and promised to make amends.

Synonyms

remorsefulcontritepenitentsorryregretful

Antonyms

unapologeticdefiantinsincere

Etymology

From late Latin apologeticus, from Greek apologia 'a speech in defense,' via medieval French apologétique and English development; the sense shifted from defense to a display of remorse or apology.

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: Apology + -etic = full of apology. If you’re apologetic, you’re always ready with a sincere apology.

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Intricate

adjective

Very complicated or detailed; having many interrelated parts.

Demonstrative

adjective

serving to indicate or point out something; in grammar, relating to how words like this, that, these, and those modify or replace nouns; also used to describe a person who openly expresses emotions