Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To express regret for something one has done wrong, or for causing inconvenience or hurt. It involves acknowledging fault or responsibility.
   • To make a formal defense or justification for a belief, idea, or cause (a formal, less common usage).

Usage

• The verb "apologise" (also spelled "apologize") is used when someone admits a mistake or offense and expresses regret to the affected person or people.
• It is typically followed by the preposition "to" (the person) and "for" (the reason).
• It can be used in both personal and formal contexts.

Examples

• Basic Usage:
  • I must apologise for my mistake.
  • She apologised to her friend for forgetting the meeting.
  • The company apologised publicly for the error in their advertisement.

Advanced Usage

• "To apologise profusely": To apologise very sincerely and at length.
  • He apologised profusely for the damage caused by his dog.
• "To have nothing to apologise for": Used to indicate that someone's actions were justified and no apology is necessary.
  • You stood up for what was right; you have nothing to apologise for.

Variants and Related Words

• Apology (n): A regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure.
  • He offered a sincere apology.
• Apologetic (adj): Showing or expressing an apology; regretful.
  • She sent an apologetic email.
• Apologist (n): A person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial (related to the formal, defensive sense of "apologise").
  • He was a noted apologist for the political movement.

Synonyms

• Say sorry: A more informal phrase with the same core meaning.
• Express regret: A more formal phrase.
• Make amends: Implies not just apologising but also taking action to correct the wrong.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Apologise for oneself: To give reasons or excuses for one's actions (often defensive).
  • He spent ten minutes apologising for himself instead of just admitting the error.

Related Idioms

• "To eat humble pie": To make a humble apology and accept humiliation.
  • After his argument was proven false, he had to eat humble pie and apologise.

Verb

1. acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
   • I apologized for being late
   • He apologized for the many typoes
2. defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
   • rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
   • he rationalized his lack of success