Apologize
[ə'pɒlədʒaɪz] or [ə'pɑlədʒaɪz]
Definition
(verb.) acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing; 'I apologized for being late'; 'He apologized for the many typoes'.
(verb.) defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning; 'rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior'; 'he rationalized his lack of success'.
Edited by Ahmed--From WordNet
Definition
(v. i.) To make an apology or defense.
(v. i.) To make an apology or excuse; to make acknowledgment of some fault or offense, with expression of regret for it, by way of amends; -- with for; as, my correspondent apologized for not answering my letter.
(v. t.) To defend.
Inputed by Byron
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. n. Make an apology, offer an excuse, plead in defence or extenuation.
Typist: Willard
Unserious Contents or Definition
v.i. To lay the foundation for a future offence.
Checked by Edmond
Examples
- Shall I apologize to her? Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- He hopes you won't miss him now that he has gone; he begs to apologize for any little trouble he may have given you. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- A day or two later Mr. De Loche called on me in Memphis to apologize for his apparent incivility in not insisting on my staying for dinner. Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.
- The fire was not dissipated yet, and she thought it was ignoble in her husband not to apologize to her. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- He was so extremely conciliatory in his manner that he seemed to apologize to the very newspaper for taking the liberty of reading it. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Indeed the mistake was mine, and I ought to apologize for it. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- The relations between us are of an unfortunate description, Lady Dedlock; but as they are not of my making, I will not apologize for them. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Moore neither apologized nor retorted. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- We walked through some narrow courts, for which Mr. George apologized, and soon came to the shooting gallery, the door of which was closed. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Paul half apologized; he half regrettedtoo, the fitfulness of his moods at all times, yet he hinted that some allowance ought to be made for him. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- I thanked him, and apologized. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- Again I thanked him and apologized, and again he said in the cheerfullest manner, Not at all, I am sure! Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- Sir Leicester and Lady Dedlock, as I have already apologized for intruding on you, I cannot do better than be very brief. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- As soon as he had apologized for the remissness of his memory, he asked me if he should send Boots for Mr. Pumblechook? Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- He comes now, apologizing for intruding, even by her permission, while she is at table. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- Her grandson apologizes with True. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
Edited by Barbie