apologetic
See also: apologètic
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From (deprecated template usage) [etyl] French apologétique, from (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Ancient Greek ἀπολογητικός (apologētikós, “of or suitable for defense”), from ἀπολογέσθαι (apologésthai, “to speak in defense of”).
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 159: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value US is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E.: IPA(key): /əˌpɑləˈdʒɛtɪk/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 159: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value UK is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E.: IPA(key): /əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk/
Adjective
apologetic (comparative more apologetic, superlative most apologetic)
- 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.
- (dated) Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.
Synonyms
- (having the character of an apology): sorry, remorseful; regretful
Related terms
Translations
having the character of apology
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