Meaning
- (noun) An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry). “The CEO made a public apology for the scandal, and promised full cooperation with the authorities.”
- (noun) A formal justification, defence. “The Apology of Socrates.”
- (noun) Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift. “a poor apology for a hotel room”
- (interjection) Expresses regret, remorse, or sorrow.
- (interjection) Used to correct oneself in speech.
About this word
Apologies carry a neutral to slightly formal register, often conveying remorse or regret for past actions that may have caused harm to others. This noun or interjection serves as a means of acknowledging one's mistakes and expressing a desire to make amends. In everyday conversation, it can take the form of a simple 'I apologize' or a more elaborate explanation of the wrongdoing.
Commonly found in personal interactions and professional settings, the term appears in phrases such as 'I owe you an apology' and 'Please accept my apologies.' It is frequently used in conflict resolution, customer service, and interpersonal communications, where expressing regret can help mend relationships. The emotional weight of the word underlines its importance in social dynamics, making it a powerful tool in maintaining harmony.
For word puzzle enthusiasts, 'apologies' scores 12 points in Scrabble. It is eligible for Wordle, containing nine letters and five vowels, making it a solid choice for word games. Players can also form various sub-words, including 'gospel,' 'goalies,' and 'igloos,' enhancing the strategic potential of its letters in different contexts.
The term 'apologies' originates from the Greek word 'apologia,' meaning a speech in defense. This evolved into its contemporary usage, becoming more common in Middle English during the 14th century. The plural form 'apologies' is frequently used, while the singular 'apology' is also prevalent. Common misspellings may include 'apoligies' or 'apoligies.' Understanding the nuances of this term can enrich communication and foster more sincere interactions.
Using Apologies in a sentence
- She offered her apologies for being late to the meeting.
- After the misunderstanding, he quickly sent his apologies to his colleague.
- In a formal letter, it’s important to express your apologies clearly and respectfully.
- As the saying goes, 'An apology is the first step toward forgiveness.'
Origin of Apologies
The term 'apologies' derives from the Greek word 'apologia,' which means a speech of defense. It transitioned into Latin and later into Middle English around the 14th century, where it began to take on the meaning related to expressions of remorse. Over time, the usage has broadened, encompassing various contexts of regret and reconciliation. Understanding its roots can provide deeper insight into its emotional significance in communication.
Letter breakdown
- Apologies contains 9 letters: 5 vowel(s) and 4 consonant(s).
- It uses 8 unique letters.
- Estimated syllable count: 4.
- Scrabble-style letter score: 12.
Connected words
Other 9-letter words
- aardvarks
- abandoned
- abasement
- abatement
- abattoirs
- abdicated
- abdicates
- abdominal
- abductees
- abducting
- abduction
- abductors
- abhorrent
- abhorring
- abilities
- ablatives
- ablutions
- abnegated
Words starting with APO
- apocalypse
- apocalypses
- apocalyptic
- apocryphal
- apogee
- apogees
- apolitical
- apologetic
- apologetically
- apologia
- apologias
- apologist
- apologists
- apologize
- apologized
- apologizes
- apologizing
- apology
See all words starting with APO →
Words ending with IES
Words from these letters
- spoilage
- epilogs
- goalies
- epilog
- goalie
- gospel
- igloos
- polios
- silage
- aegis
- agile
- aisle
- aloes
- gales
- gapes
- goals
- goose
- igloo
- lapse
- leaps
- loges
- logos
- loops
- loose
- lopes
- ogles
- opals
- pages
- pails
- pales
- peals
- piles
- pleas
- plies
- poise
- poles
- polio
- pools
- sepal
- sepia
- sloop
- slope
- spiel
- spoil
- spool
- ages
- ails
- ales
- aloe
- also
- apes
- apse
- egis
- egos
- gale
- gals
- gape
- gaps
- gasp
Reader questions
What does Apologies mean?
An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry).
How many letters are in Apologies?
Apologies has 9 letters.
Is the word 'apologies' formal or informal?
'Apologies' is primarily neutral, with a slight formal tone, making it suitable for both personal and professional contexts.
What are the different forms of the word 'apology'?
The plural form is 'apologies,' while the singular is 'apology.' There are no verb conjugations as it is primarily used as a noun and interjection.
When should I use 'apologies' instead of 'sorry'?
'Apologies' can be used in more formal situations, while 'sorry' is more casual. The choice depends on the context of the interaction.
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