apologise
word
/əˈpɑɫəˌdʒaɪz/
uh-PAHL-uh-jyz
/ɐpˈɒlədʒˌaɪz/
uh-POL-uh-jyz
Definition
To say that you are sorry for something you did, said, or caused. It is used when you want to show regret and ask someone to forgive you.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'apologise to someone' and 'apologise for something'. 'Apologise' is British spelling; 'apologize' is the American spelling. It is more formal than just saying 'sorry'.
Spanish: disculparse - pedir perdónPortuguese (BR): se desculpar - pedir desculpasPortuguese (PT): desculpar-se - pedir desculpaChinese (Simplified): 道歉Chinese (Traditional): 道歉Hindi: माफ़ी माँगनाArabic: يعتذر - يطلب الصفحBengali: ক্ষমা চাওয়াRussian: извиняться - просить прощенияJapanese: 謝るVietnamese: xin lỗiKorean: 사과하다Turkish: özür dilemekUrdu: معافی مانگناIndonesian: meminta maaf
Example Sentences
I need to apologise to my teacher for being late.
basic
She apologised for breaking the cup.
basic
Please apologise to your sister.
basic
You don’t need to apologise—it was an honest mistake.
natural
He finally apologised to me after weeks of silence.
natural
If you messed up, just apologise and move on.
natural