apologetic

See also: apologètic

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From French apologétique, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογητικός (apologētikós, of or suitable for defense), from ἀπολογέσθαι (apologésthai, to speak in defense of).

Pronunciation

  • US: IPA(key): /əˌpɑləˈdʒɛtɪk/
  • UK: IPA(key): /əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk/

Adjective

apologetic (comparative more apologetic, superlative most apologetic)

  1. Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing
    His tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened.
    • 1890, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sign of the Four:
      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.
  2. (dated) Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.

Synonyms

Translations

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