apologize/apologise

apologize/apologise

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Pronunciation

IPA Phonetic Spelling:

• /əˈpɑːləˌdʒaɪz/ (General American) or /əˈpɒləˌdʒaɪz/ (Received Pronunciation)

• a - /ə/ (schwa, unstressed, as in "about")

• pol - /ˈpɑː/ (as in "pot" - General American, primary stress) or /ˈpɒ/ (as in "pot" - Received Pronunciation, primary stress)

• o - /lə/ (schwa, unstressed)

• gize - /dʒaɪz/ (as in "size" with 'j' sound, secondary stress)

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Word Form Variations

Apologize" (or "apologise") primarily functions as a verb.

• Verb:

• Base form: apologize/apologise

• Third person singular present: apologizes/apologises

• Present participle: apologizing/apologising

• Past tense: apologized/apologised

• Past participle: apologized/apologised

• Related forms (but not direct variations of "apologize" itself):

• Noun: apology

• Adjective: apologetic

• Adverb: apologetically

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Verb

1. To express regret for something one has done wrong; to make an apology.

• Synonyms: say sorry, express regret, ask forgiveness, make amends, beg pardon

• Antonyms: offend, insult, blame, accuse, justify, defend

2. To offer an excuse for something that has happened or been done, or for a difficult situation.

• Synonyms: explain, account for, excuse, justify, clarify

• Antonyms: condemn, criticize, blame

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do, you apologize for the truth." (Benjamin Disraeli)

• Newspapers:

• "The CEO issued a statement this morning to apologize for the recent data breach, promising stricter security measures." (The Wall Street Journal)

• Online Publications:

• "Developers often have to apologize for bugs in new game releases, quickly issuing patches to address player frustrations." (PC Gamer)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• "Is it too late now to say sorry? 'Cause I'm missing more than just your body." (Justin Bieber, "Sorry," 2015 – a song centered on the act of apologizing)

• "I didn't mean to offend anyone. I deeply apologize for my insensitive remarks." (Celebrity statement on a talk show)

• "We apologize for this interruption to your regular programming." (Common announcement during TV broadcast issues)

• General Public Discourse:

• "You should apologize to your brother for breaking his toy."

• "I always try to apologize sincerely when I know I've made a mistake."

• "She refused to apologize for her strong opinions."

• "Do I need to apologize for being myself?"

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10 Quotes Using Apologize/Apologise

1. "Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do, you apologize for the truth." (Benjamin Disraeli)

2. "It is easier to apologize than to ask for permission." (Often attributed to Grace Hopper or a general proverb)

3. "Never apologize for being yourself." (Widely circulated motivational quote)

4. "A gentleman never apologizes." (A well-known phrase often used ironically or humorously)

5. "I have nothing to apologize for." (Common statement of defiance or self-justification)

6. "I am not going to apologize for who I am." (Common statement of self-acceptance used by many public figures)

7. "Never explain, never apologize." (A famous maxim often associated with British aristocracy or journalism)

8. "Never apologize for your art." (Banksy, widely attributed)

9. "The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you've come. Never apologize for that journey." (Unknown, a widely shared inspirational quote)

10. "There's no need to apologize; it was an honest mistake." (A common conversational phrase offering reassurance)

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Etymology

The word "apologize" (or "apologise") means to express regret, and its history comes from ancient Greek and Latin words about defense and excuse.

It derives from the Greek word "apologia" (ἀπολογία), which literally meant "a speech in defense" or "a reasoned defense." This was not initially about saying "I'm sorry," but about defending oneself or explaining one's actions.

This Greek term was then adopted into Latin as "apologia," carrying a similar meaning of a formal defense or justification.

From Latin, it moved into Old French as "apologier," which still meant "to make a defense" or "to justify oneself."

The word "apologize" entered the English language from Old French in the late 16th century (around the 1500s).

The first known use and meaning of "apologize" in English was very much in line with its Greek and Latin roots: to make a formal defense or justification for one's beliefs, actions, or conduct. It was about explaining why you did something, not necessarily admitting fault. For example, a philosopher might "apologize" for their views, meaning they would defend them.

Over time, particularly by the 18th century, the meaning evolved to its primary modern sense: to express regret for having done something wrong. This shift moved it from justification to contrition.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Apologize/Apologise

• Apologize profusely (to express very great regret)

• Apologize for one's actions (to express regret for something one has done)

• Apologize to someone(to direct an apology to a specific person)

• Never apologize for being yourself (a common motivational saying)

• A gentleman never apologizes (a humorous or ironic statement)

• Say one's mea culpas (using a synonym for similar effect, meaning to admit fault)

• Beg one's pardon (a formal or archaic way to apologize)

• Eating humble pie (using an idiom for similar effect, meaning to admit one was wrong)

• Regret one's words (using a synonym, indicating remorse for what was said)

• Offer one's sincerest regrets (a formal way to apologize)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of apologize/apologise from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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