apologize
UK: əˈpɒlədʒaɪz | US: əˈpɑːlədʒaɪz
vi. to express regret for a mistake or offense
vi. to make a formal defense or justification (archaic)
apologize = apo<away/off> + log<speech> + ize<verb suffix>
- apo (Greek origin, meaning "away" or "off")
- log (Greek logos, meaning "speech" or "reason")
- ize (verb-forming suffix, indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "apologize" traces back to Greek apologia (ἀπολογία), meaning "a speech in defense." Originally, it referred to a formal justification (e.g., Plato’s Apology of Socrates). Over time, the meaning shifted in English to focus on expressing regret, retaining the core idea of "speaking away" (deflecting blame or acknowledging fault).
She called to apologize for being late.
He refused to apologize, insisting he was right.
The company issued a public statement to apologize for the error.
In his speech, he seemed to apologize for his past actions.
"I apologize if my words offended anyone," she said sincerely.