Apologise - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT apologise

Other forms: apologised; apologising; apologises

Apologise is the British English spelling of the verb apologize. So if you need to say you're sorry for something you did in London, you should apologise.

Apologise comes from Greek word apologia, which means "a speech in defense of something." So use the verb apologise if you are making an excuse for, defending, or explaining some action. If you "accidentally" ate the last piece of pizza without offering it to anyone else and then burped in everyone's face at the table, you should probably apologise.

Definitions of apologise

verb acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing synonyms: apologize
verb defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning synonyms: apologize, excuse, justify, rationalise, rationalize see moresee less types: color, colour, gloss give a deceptive explanation or excuse for plead offer as an excuse or plea extenuate, mitigate, palliate lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of type of: defend, fend for, support argue or speak in defense of

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