apologize

verb

apol·​o·​gize ə-ˈpä-lə-ˌjīz 

apologized; apologizing

intransitive verb

: to express regret for something done or said : to make an apology

He apologized for his mistake.

She apologized to us for losing her temper.

apologizer noun

Did you know?

Does apologize always mean "to say 'I'm sorry'"?

The verb apologize is a surprisingly recent introduction to the English language when one stops to consider that we have likely been committing deeds which require an apology since time immemorial. Our earliest current record of use comes at the end of the 16th century, in the writing of Thomas Nash:

”….but as the Elephant and the Rinoceros neuer fight but about the best pastures, so will I winne from him his best Patrons, and driue him to confesse himselfe a Conundrum, who now thinks he hath learning inough to proue the saluation of Lucifer; Apologize it for him as many Chutes, Barnesses, or vile riggers, or Fregeuiles as there will.”

The earliest uses of apologize more often meant “to offer an excuse or defense” than “to acknowledge a fault.” The verb came into our language from the noun apology, which similarly had an initial meaning (beginning in the early 16th century) that did not necessarily acknowledge fault (“something said or written in defense or justification of what appears to others to be wrong or of what may be liable to disapprobation”).

Examples of apologize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The judge demanded that Arnold & Porter apologize to the court and that its attorneys take an ethics refresher class. —Bob Fernandez, ProPublica, 17 Dec. 2024

During the Vanderpump Rules season 10 reunion, Sandoval apologized to Madix after several heated exchanges. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Then, tax experts said Fix the Court likely failed to disclose lobbying on judicial issues, leading to the group updating its financial disclosures and Roth apologizing on a podcast episode for the omission. —Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024

But the Broncos certainly weren’t apologizing Sunday night for the gift of a gargantuan gaffe. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "to speak in justification (of)," from apology + -ize

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing apologize

• apologize for

Kids Definition

apologize

verb

apol·​o·​gize ə-ˈpäl-ə-ˌjīz 

apologized; apologizing

: to make an apology

apologizer noun