apologetic
adjective
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L12574 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk/ / /əˌpɑləˈd͡ʒɛtɪk/
adj
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.
- Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing.
“His tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened.”
“Very different was he, however, from the brusque and masterful professor of common sense who had taken over the case so confidently at Upper Norwood. His expression was downcast, and his bearing meek and even apologetic.”
- Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.
noun
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.
- A formal apology.
- A defensive method of argument.