Word
apologetic
Phoneticsapolo·get·ic
US/əˌpɑɫəˈdʒɛtɪk/
UK/ɐpˌɒlədʒˈɛtɪk/
Definition
adj. feeling or showing that you are sorry for something you did. You use this to describe a person's face or a person's way of speaking when they are in trouble.
adj. expressing or showing a feeling of regret or guilt. Often used to describe a person's facial expression or manner of speech when they are apologizing.
Examples
“He gave me an apologetic smile after he broke my favorite pen.”
“The manager made an apologetic remark about the long wait, though the customers were already leaving.”
“Her apologetic tone suggested she felt responsible for the mistake, even though the error had been caused by a system failure beyond her control.”
Examples
simple
“He gave me an apologetic smile after he broke my favorite pen.”
contextual
“The manager made an apologetic remark about the long wait, though the customers were already leaving.”
complex
“Her apologetic tone suggested she felt responsible for the mistake, even though the error had been caused by a system failure beyond her control.”
Real-World Examples
“Turning to Carse, he said, “I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn in saying he’s very upset, very apologetic and understands his actions.” “That doesn’t stop Nighy being comically apologetic about it.” Etymology
From French apologétique, from Latin apologēticus, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογητικός (apologētikós, “of or suitable for defense”), from ἀπολογέομαι (apologéomai, “to speak in defense of”); see more at English apology.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/apologetic