apologize

IPA/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/
KK[əpˈɑlədʒˌaɪz]IPA/əˈpɑːlədʒaɪz/

apologize — verb

  • apologizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • apologizeshe / she / it
  • apologizedpast simple
  • apologizing-ing form

1. to tell another person that you feel bad about a mistake or hurtful action you d

1.verbintransitiveA2
Definition

to tell another person that you feel bad about a mistake or hurtful action you did, and that you wish it had not happened.

Example

Wren apologized to his sister for breaking her favorite coffee mug.

apologize to + person + for + noun

The airline sincerely apologized for the long delay at the gate.

collocation: sincerely apologize

Common collocations
  • apologize sincerely
  • apologize profusely
  • apologize publicly
  • apologize in person
Synonyms
  • say sorry

    everyday informal phrasing; common in spoken English

  • express regret

    more formal; used in news reports and official statements

  • make amends

    broader — includes actions to fix the harm, not just words

Grammar Patterns

apologize to + person

apologize for + noun/-ing

apologize to + person + for + noun/-ing

Usage Note

Spelled 'apologize' in American English and usually 'apologise' in British English; both forms are pronounced the same and used the same way.

Common Mistakes

I apologized him for being late.
I apologized to him for being late.
the person who receives the apology takes 'to', not a direct object.
She apologized about losing the keys.
She apologized for losing the keys.
use 'for' before the action or thing you are sorry about.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four expressions admit fault, but they differ in tone and scope. 'Say sorry' is the most casual — children and friends use it for small mistakes. 'Apologize' is slightly more formal and works in both spoken and written contexts, from a quick 'I apologize' in the office to a written letter. 'Express regret' is reserved for official or public statements, where speakers want to acknowledge a problem without sounding too personal. 'Make amends' goes one step further: it suggests doing something concrete to repair the harm, not just speaking. Compare: 'He said sorry to his brother' (casual), 'The CEO apologized to customers' (formal but personal), 'The minister expressed regret over the incident' (official), 'He made amends by paying for the damage' (action-based).

apologize ↗say sorryexpress regretmake amends

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • apologize on behalf of
  • I must apologize
  • refuse to apologize

Prepositions

  • to (a person)
  • for (an action)

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Came into English in the late 1500s from French and Latin, originally meaning 'to speak in defense of'. The word traces back to Greek roots meaning 'a speech given to defend oneself'. The modern meaning — saying you are sorry — only became common in the 1700s, as the idea shifted from defending an action to admitting it was wrong.

First known use

1596

1596, in the meaning defined above