# apologize

/əˈpɑɫəˌdʒaɪz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apologize
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. to express regret for an event

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to say you are sorry that something bad happened, even if it was not your fault.

For teachers: to express regret regarding a specific circumstance or occurrence, often as a formal gesture of sympathy or professional courtesy.

- The airline apologized for the long delay caused by the bad weather.
- The gallery directors apologized for the short notice regarding the exhibition's cancellation due to unforeseen structural issues.

Usage: Often used by organizations or in professional contexts to maintain good relations.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the speaker isn't necessarily admitting a personal moral fault, but rather acknowledging an inconvenience.

### 3. to defend an idea

verb · CEFR C2 · Academic · Archaic

to speak or write in defense of a belief or a person.

For teachers: to provide a formal defense or justification for a doctrine, policy, or institution; to act as an apologist.

- He spent his career writing books that apologize for the old political system.
- The essay functions less as a critique and more as a piece intended to apologize for the administration's controversial fiscal policies.

Usage: Usually followed by 'for'.

Teaching tip: This sense is related to the noun 'apologia' (a formal defense) rather than a modern 'apology' (saying sorry). It is rare in modern speech.

## Examples

- I apologize for being late to the meeting.
- The company had to apologize publicly after their website crashed during the holiday sale.
- The diplomat was forced to apologize on behalf of his government to prevent the minor border dispute from escalating into a full international crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.