apologetic
Americanadjective
-
expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite
-
protecting or defending in speech or writing
Other Word Forms
- apologetically adverb
- nonapologetic adjective
- nonapologetical adjective
- nonapologetically adverb
- pseudoapologetic adjective
- pseudoapologetically adverb
- quasi-apologetic adjective
- quasi-apologetically adverb
- unapologetic adjective
Etymology
Origin of apologetic
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English apologetik “a formal defense,” from Middle French or directly from Late Latin apologēticus “written defense, defensive,” Greek apologētikós “fit for defense,” equivalent to apologē- (variant stem of apologeîsthai “to speak in defense”; apologia ) + -tikos -tic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He rushed over to steer Magic out of C.C.’s room at once, giving C.C. a weak apologetic smile before closing the door shut.
From Literature
Emma stares me down, and I rearrange my face into what is hopefully an apologetic expression.
From Literature
I gave an apologetic smile to the others around the table, knowing that without my bargaining with the butcher and the produce seller, the meals here were probably pitiful.
From Literature
In a written statement, which he submitted to the TRA in 2023, Shilling said he was "deeply apologetic and upset for any hurt, anxiety or stress" caused.
From BBC
Cynthia, who in her 20s entered a marriage that any actuarial table would have advised strongly against, is almost apologetic for finding herself wed to Warren.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
