apologize
C1Neutral to formal; widely acceptable in most contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To express regret for something one has done wrong.
To make a formal, often public, defense or justification of a belief, cause, or policy.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies admission of fault or discourtesy and expression of regret. In its extended philosophical/literary sense, 'apologize' can mean to provide a reasoned defense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling. British English prefers 'apologise'. US English exclusively uses 'apologize'. The pronunciation is identical.
Connotations
None. Identical in connotation and use.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, with the respective spellings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
apologize to somebodyapologize for somethingapologize for doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “apologize for your life (colloquial, self-deprecating)”
- “never apologize, never explain (proverb)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in customer service, professional emails, and public relations to address errors or failures in service.
Academic
Used in the sense of 'apologia' (a formal defense) in literary or philosophical texts.
Everyday
The most common context, for personal and social interactions involving mistakes or hurt feelings.
Technical
Rare. Might be used in formal incident reports or legal contexts as part of a settlement.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister will have to apologise to the House for the misleading statement.
- He apologised unreservedly for his colleague's behaviour.
American English
- The company was forced to apologize publicly for the data breach.
- You need to apologize to your sister for taking her car without asking.
adverb
British English
- 'It was my fault,' he said apologetically.
- She smiled apologetically as she squeezed past.
American English
- He raised his hand apologetically to interrupt the speaker.
- She spoke apologetically, knowing her request was an inconvenience.
adjective
British English
- He gave an apologetic smile when he realised he was late.
- Her tone was distinctly apologetic.
American English
- She sent an apologetic email explaining the situation.
- He wore an apologetic look on his face.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I apologize for my mistake.
- He apologized to his teacher.
- You should apologize for being rude to your mother.
- The airline apologized for the cancelled flight and offered a voucher.
- The CEO issued a statement to apologize profusely for the oversight in the annual report.
- Despite pressure from the media, the politician refused to apologize for his controversial remarks.
- In his memoir, he stops short of apologizing for his strategic decisions during the crisis, merely contextualising them.
- The philosopher's work serves to apologize for a form of utilitarianism that many find unpalatable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-POLO-GIZE'. Imagine a polo player who fouls another player, then has to 'size' up to his mistake and apologize.
Conceptual Metaphor
WRONGDOING IS A DEBT (to be repaid with an apology); AN APOLOGY IS A CLEANSING ACT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from Russian 'извиняться', which can imply excusing oneself. English 'apologize' is strictly for admitting fault/regret.
- Do not confuse with 'excuse' (оправдываться). 'Apologize' is for the offender; 'excuse' is for the offended.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'I apologize you' (missing 'to').
- Using the noun form incorrectly: 'I make an apologize' instead of 'I make an apology' or 'I apologize'.
- Overusing 'sorry' as a complete substitute in formal writing where 'apologize' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'apologize' used in its extended, formal sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Sorry' is an adjective or interjection expressing regret. 'Apologize' is a verb describing the action of expressing that regret. 'I am sorry' and 'I apologize' are often equivalent, but 'apologize' can feel slightly more formal.
It is primarily intransitive. It requires a prepositional phrase ('to someone for something'). You cannot 'apologize someone' or 'apologize something' directly.
Yes, in formal or diplomatic language. Phrases like 'I apologize if anyone was offended' or 'We apologize for the inconvenience' express regret for a situation without necessarily admitting personal fault.
The noun is 'apology' (plural: apologies). 'Apologize' is the verb. E.g., 'Please accept my apology' vs. 'I want to apologize'.