Apologetic

Pronunciation

• US: IPA: /əˌpÉ‘ləˈdÊ’É›tɪk/
• UK: IPA: /əˌpÉ’ləˈdÊ’É›tɪk/

Alternative forms

• apologetick

Origin

From French apologétique, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογητικός (apologētikos, "of or suitable for defense"), from ἀπολογέσθαι (apologesthai, "to speak in defense of").

Full definition of apologetic

Adjective

1. Having the character of apology; regretfully excusingHis tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened.
• 1890, Arthur Conan Doyle, :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.
2. (dated) Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.

Synonyms

• (having the character of an apology) sorry, remorseful; regretful

Related terms