apologize
/ə'pɔlədʤaiz/ Cách viết khác : (apologise) /ə'pɔlədʤaiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To express regret for something one has done wrong: To say that you are sorry for a mistake, for causing trouble or hurt, or for an offense. 2. To make a formal defense or justification in speech or writing: (Formal, less common) To speak or write in defense of one's actions, beliefs, or position.
Usage
The verb "apologize" is used to acknowledge a fault or offense and express regret. It is often followed by the preposition "to" (the person) and "for" (the action or situation). * Structure: apologize + to + [person] + for + [action/noun] * It can also be used without specifying the person or reason in general statements (e.g., "You should apologize.").
Examples
Basic Usage:
- I must apologize for my mistake. (I must say I am sorry for my mistake.)
- She apologized to her friend for forgetting the meeting. (She told her friend she was sorry for forgetting.)
- He apologized sincerely. (He expressed his regret in a sincere way.)
With Prepositions:
- The company apologized to its customers for the service interruption.
- You need to apologize for your behavior.
Advanced Usage
- Formal/Defensive Meaning: In formal or historical contexts, "apologize" can mean to defend or justify.
- The philosopher wrote an essay to apologize for his controversial thesis. (Here, it means to formally defend or argue in favor of.)
- "Apologize profusely": To apologize very much or repeatedly.
- He apologized profusely for the inconvenience caused.
Variants and Related Words
- Apology (noun): The act of apologizing or the words used; a statement of regret.
- Please accept my sincere apology.
- Apologetic (adjective): Showing or expressing regret.
- He sent an apologetic email.
- Apologist (noun): A person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial. (Related to the formal/defensive meaning).
- He was a noted apologist for the policy.
Synonyms
- Say sorry: (Informal) To express regret.
- Express regret: To state that you feel sorry or sad about something.
- Make amends: To do something to correct a mistake or show you are sorry. (This implies action, not just words).
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
- Apologize for oneself: To give reasons or excuses for one's actions.
- He spent the whole meeting apologizing for himself instead of presenting the plan.
Related Idioms
- To owe someone an apology: To need to apologize to someone.
- I think you owe her an apology for what you said.
- No apology needed: A phrase used to tell someone they do not have to say they are sorry.
- "I'm sorry I'm late!" – "No apology needed; we just started."
Verb
- defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
- rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
- he rationalized his lack of success
- acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
- I apologized for being late
- He apologized for the many typoes