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apologetic
/əˌpɒl.əˈdʒɛt.ɪk/
expressing regret or remorse
She gave an apologetic smile when she realized her mistake.
She smiled to show she was sorry for her mistake.
formalinformal
Expressing regret or remorse for something done or said
He sent an apologetic email after missing the deadline.
He wrote an email to apologize for not meeting the deadline.
The apologetic tone in her voice made him feel better.
Her regretful way of speaking helped him feel less upset.
Often used to describe behavior, tone, or expressions that show remorse.
Collocations
apologetic tonea way of speaking that shows regretapologetic smilea smile that shows you're sorryapologetic lettera written apology
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'apologetic' to describe someone who is visibly or verbally showing they are sorry.
Word Origin
From Greek 'apologētikos' (defending oneself), from 'apologia' (speaking in defense), from 'apologomai' (to speak in defense). Later evolved to mean expressing regret.
Usage Notes
Can describe a person's behavior, facial expressions, or written communication. Often used in formal and informal contexts.
Word Breakdown
apolog
defense or explanation
root-etic
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary