make an apology

VERB

[/meɪk ən əˈpɑːlədʒi/]

to express regret or say sorry for a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing

💡 Concept

He had to make an apology to his sister after breaking her favorite mug.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

Start Free Demo

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/meɪk ən əˈpɑːlədʒi/

🇬🇧 UK/meɪk ən əˈpɒlədʒi/

🌳Etymology

Rootapolog

Suffix--y

Origin

Apology derives from Greek 'apologia', originally meaning 'defense' or 'explanation'. The term evolved from contexts of justifying or explaining one's actions, and has semantically shifted to denote an admission of wrongdoing and expression of regret in modern usage.

Breakdown

apo- (away, off) + logos (word, speech, reason) = literally 'speaking away' or 'speaking in defense of', referring to a formal defense or explanation.

🎵Rhyme

apologyecologypsychologytechnology

apology

ecology

psychology

technology

🔗Collocations

make a formal apology

make a public apology

make a sincere apology

make a written apology

make an immediate apology

make a heartfelt apology

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My dog ate your homework, so I need to make an apology on his behalf.”

😄 Fun example

“The politician made an apology that was longer than the actual mistake.”

“She decided to make an apology rather than make excuses.”

“The restaurant manager made an apology for the cold soup and offered a free dessert.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

apologizeexpress regretsay sorryoffer an apologybeg pardon

Antonyms

make excusesblame othersdeny responsibility

forgivenessremorsereconciliationacknowledgmentcontrition

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Start for Free 60s Demo

make an apology — to express regret or say sorry for a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing

Example Sentences