apologetically
UK: əˌpɒləˈdʒetɪkli | US: əˌpɑːləˈdʒetɪkli
adv. in a manner expressing regret or acknowledgment of fault
adv. in a defensive or self-justifying tone
The word "apologetically" stems from the Greek root apologia (a defense or justification), via Late Latin apologeticus. The morpheme apologetic retains its core meaning of regret or defense, while the suffix -ally transforms the adjective into an adverb. Historically, the term shifted from a focus on reasoned defense (as in Socrates' Apology) to modern connotations of remorseful tone.
She smiled apologetically after arriving late.
He spoke apologetically, aware his words had caused offense.
The waiter bowed apologetically when the order was wrong.
"I didn’t mean to interrupt," she said apologetically.
The dog wagged its tail apologetically after chewing the shoe.