apologetic

Study(2)

UK /əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk/ US /əˌpɑləˈd͡ʒɛtɪk/

adj 2noun 1

Collocations

(adj.)

VERBS

be, feel, look, sound

ADV

profusely, very

almost

She seemed almost apologetic when she explained why she couldn't attend the meeting.

faintly, slightly, vaguely

suitably

When he realized his mistake, he became suitably apologetic and offered to fix everything.

PREP

about

She felt quite apologetic about arriving late to the meeting yesterday.

for

He felt apologetic for arriving late to the meeting yesterday afternoon.

Definitions

adj

Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing.

His tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened.

Very different was he, however, from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood. His expression was downcast, and his bearing meek and even apologetic.

Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.

noun

A formal apology.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

adjective — offering or expressing apology

excusatory

Antonyms

unapologetic

Idioms & Phrases

Example Bank

His tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened.

Wiktionary

Very different was he, however, from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood. His expression was downcast, and his bearing meek

Wiktionary

Aberdeen Joint is a fine station. Its approach is a real approach, not an apologetic side-street; its granite building has a dignity in keeping with the famous city skyline it faces, [...].

Wiktionary

He was very apologetic for the mistake.

Tatoeba · #294955

He was apologetic for being absent.

Tatoeba · #295780

Tom looks apologetic.

Tatoeba · #2237200

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, apologetic is marked as dated, archaic. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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