apologize Meaning & Definition
What Does Apologize Mean?
Apologize is a verb that means To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends. It can also mean To express regret that a certain event has occurred.
Word Facts for Apologize
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /əˈpɒləˌd͡ʒaɪz/ |
| Synonyms | excuse, justify and rationalize |
| Verb forms | apologizes, apologizing, apologized |
Apologize Definition (Verb)
- To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends
My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.
- To express regret that a certain event has occurred.
- To make an apologia or defense; to act as apologist.
Verb
- (often followed by “for”) To make an apology or excuse; to acknowledge some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends
My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.
Synonyms of Apologize
Apologize synonyms and antonyms →Apologize in a Sentence
My correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.
Word Forms & Grammar
apologize (third-person singular simple present apologizes, present participle apologizing, simple past and past participle apologized)
Words That Rhyme With Apologize
Origin of Apologize
From apology + -ize, from ἀπολογία (apología, “a speech in defense”), from ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai, “to speak in one’s defense”), from ἀπόλογος (apólogos, “an account, story”), compound of ἀπο- (apo-, “from, off”) and λόγος (lógos, “speech”); compare also ἀπολογίζομαι (apologízomai, “to render an account”).
Questions People Ask About Apologize
What part of speech is apologize?
Apologize is a verb.
What is another word for apologize?
You can replace apologize with words such as excuse, justify and rationalize. See the full list of apologize synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of apologize?
The past tense of apologize is apologized. The present participle is apologizing.