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apology

apology

25 8.6
A written text defending a belief or action
  • noun
  • /əˈpɑlədʒi/
  • Archaic
: apología
  • So I guess I'll have to settle for a letter of apology.
  • issue of apology
  • published apology
  • apology provision

Those would be the Euthyphro, the Apology, the Credo and the Phaedo.

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Examples

  • Additionally, the president has issued an annual apology for the February 28 incident on behalf of the government.

    Academic text (2014)
  • With a strong public apology and substantial community service.

  • As an apology to make me feel better.

  • Now, a full apology will be made to the owners of The Silent Woman.

  • The timing of the apology was also carefully planned in several ways.

    Academic text (2000)
  • I want you to report to me at 0800 with a letter of apology for Chief Green.

  • -They've issued a formal apology.

  • I'll have to make a formal apology to the South African consulate.

  • In 1995, President Lee issued an official apology in front of the 228 Monument in the park.

    Academic text (2014)
  • The director issued a formal apology to the team for the oversight in the project.

Synonyms

excuse
vsapology
859 1.7

A reason people give often as a written note to explain an absence

is a formal written justification not merely a personal reason
reply
vsapology
251 1.0

An answer in speech or writing to a question from someone

is specifically a formal written justification rather than a general answer
defense
vsapology
  • US
184 3.0

A reason or statement used to support something

is specifically a formal written justification rather than any general argument
apologia
vsapology
  • Literature
3 9.9

A formal written explanation that defends someone's actions or beliefs after criticism

is the common English term for the same formal written justification
counterstatement
vsapology
  • Formal
1 7.3

A written or spoken reply that opposes another claim

focuses on formal written justification rather than merely opposing a statement

How Defended

defense
  • US
184 3.0
apology
  • Archaic
25 8.6
justification
156 4.0
explanation
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

apology singular
apologies plural

Etymology

Apology comes from the Greek apologia, which meant 'a speech in defense' and comes from apo- 'away' and logos 'speech'. That's why an apology can mean a formal written defense of a belief or action.