apologetic

[ uh-pol-uh-jet-ik ]
/ əˌpɒl əˈdʒɛt ɪk /

adjective

containing an apology or excuse for a fault, failure, insult, injury, etc.: An apologetic letter to his creditors explained the delay.
defending by speech or writing.
willing or eager to apologize.
sorry; regretful.
Also a·pol·o·get·i·cal.

Origin of apologetic

1400–50; late Middle English apologetik a formal defense (< Middle French) < Late Latin apologēticus written defense, defensive < Greek apologētikós fit for defense, equivalent to apologē- (variant stem of apologeîsthai to speak in defense; see apologia) + -tikos -tic

OTHER WORDS FROM apologetic

Example sentences from the Web for apologetic

British Dictionary definitions for apologetic

apologetic
/ (əˌpɒləˈdʒɛtɪk) /

adjective

expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite
protecting or defending in speech or writing

Derived forms of apologetic

apologetically, adverb