apology
apology
Pronunciation
IPA: /əˈpɒlədʒi/
Syllable Breakdown:
a /ə/ - Reduced vowel (schwa)
po /pɒ/ - Voiceless bilabial stop /p/ followed by rounded back vowel /ɒ/
lo /lə/ - Lateral approximant /l/ followed by reduced vowel /ə/
gy /dʒi/ - Palato-alveolar affricate /dʒ/ followed by voiced velar stop /ɡ/
Word Form Variations
The word "apology" is a noun, and the only word form variation is its plural form:
Singular: apology
Plural: apologies
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: An expression of regret or remorse for having offended, injured, or wronged another person.
Synonyms: excuse, regret, contrition, penitence, reparation, atonement
Antonyms: insult, offense, affront, justification, vindication
Verb
Definition: To offer an apology; to express regret or remorse for something one has done wrong.
Synonyms: excuse oneself, atone, repent, regret, make amends
Antonyms: justify, defend, condone, excuse (in the sense of justifying)
Examples of Use
Books:
"I offer my sincerest apologies for the inconvenience this may have caused." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
"He bowed his head in apology, his ears drooping." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
Newspapers:
"The company issued a formal apology for the data breach." (The New York Times)
"The politician apologized for his offensive remarks." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Twitter Apologizes for Suspending Kanye West's Account" (The Verge)
"Google Apologizes for AI Chatbot's Racist and Sexist Responses" (The Independent)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"I sincerely apologize for my actions. I was wrong." (A character in a TV drama)
"Please accept my apology for missing your call." (A voicemail message)
General Public Discourse:
"I apologize for interrupting you." (A polite interjection in conversation)
"I want to apologize for my behavior at the party." (A personal apology to a friend)
10 Famous Quotes Using Apology
An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about anything." — Lynn Johnston
"Never ruin an apology with an excuse." — Benjamin Franklin
"Right actions in the future are the best apology for bad actions in the past." — Tryon Edwards
"An apology is a lovely perfume; it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift." — Margaret Lee Runbeck
"Apology is only egotism wrong side out." — Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
"More people should apologize, and more people should accept apologies when sincerely made." — Greg LeMond
"An apology given just to appease one’s conscience is self-serving and better left unspoken!" — Evinda Lepins
"I am sorry. I wish you knew how sincerely those words are meant. My apology is as big as my love for you." — Unknown (popular modern love quote)
"Apology is a lovely thought but not if it is followed by an excuse." — Kimberly Johnson
"Apology is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage to admit wrong and strength to repair what was broken." — Unknown (common leadership quote)
Etymology
The word "apology" has a fascinating history! It comes from the Greek words "apo" (meaning "away from") and "logia" (meaning "speech").
Originally, an "apology" wasn't about saying "I'm sorry." Instead, it was a formal defense or justification of your actions. Think of it like a lawyer arguing in court – they're trying to explain why their client's actions were okay.
The first known use of "apology" in English was in the 1500s. It was used in the same way – as a defense or explanation. Over time, the meaning shifted. Now, an "apology" is usually an expression of regret or remorse for something wrong we've done.
So, while the original meaning was about explaining yourself, today it's more about taking responsibility and showing that you're truly sorry.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Apology
Let’s explore some phrases and idioms that use "apology" or words with similar meanings:
"Eat crow": This idiom means to be forced to admit you were wrong and publicly apologize.
"Backpedal": This means to withdraw or retract a statement or opinion, often after realizing it was wrong or unpopular.
"Beat a hasty retreat": This means to quickly withdraw or leave a situation, often after realizing a mistake or facing opposition.
"Eat humble pie": Similar to "eat crow," this means to admit defeat or apologize humbly.
"Pull one's horns in": This means to become less aggressive or demanding, often after realizing a mistake or facing opposition.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of apology from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
