apologize
word
/əˈpɑɫəˌdʒaɪz/
uh-PAH-luh-jyz
/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/
uh-PO-luh-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 'apologize for' + thing and 'apologize to' + person. 'Sorry' is more common in everyday speech; 'apologize' sounds a bit more formal or deliberate. In British English, 'apologise' is the usual spelling.
Spanish: disculparse - pedir perdónPortuguese (BR): pedir desculpas - se desculparPortuguese (PT): pedir desculpa - desculpar-seChinese (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 apologize for being late.
basic
She apologized to her teacher after class.
basic
You should apologize to your brother.
basic
He never apologized for what he said, and that still bothers me.
natural
You don't have to apologize—it was an honest mistake.
natural
She called to apologize for canceling at the last minute.
natural