APOLOGETIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does apologetic mean? 

• APOLOGETIC (adjective)
  The adjective APOLOGETIC has 1 sense:

1. offering or expressing apology

  Familiarity information: APOLOGETIC used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• APOLOGETIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Offering or expressing apology

Synonyms:

apologetic; excusatory

Context example:

an apologetic manner

Similar:

defensive; justificative; justificatory (attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing)

self-deprecating (conscious of your own shortcomings)

Antonym:

unapologetic (unwilling to make or express an apology)

Derivation:

apology (an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone)

apology (a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly)

 Context examples 

“Yes, sir,” the cook eagerly interpolated, with appeasing and apologetic servility.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Before the apologetic butler had delivered his message I had pushed past him and was in the room.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"I don't want any souls!" he said in a feeble, apologetic way.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“Well, sir,” said the waiter, with an apologetic air.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

But the next instant she was warning him away from the cubs with a snarl that was less harsh than usual and that was more apologetic than menacing.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

A cheap cotton shirt, with frayed collar and a bosom discoloured with what I took to be ancient blood-stains, was put on me amid a running and apologetic fire of comment.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I felt quite apologetic for Traddles.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)