Words / B1

uh-POL-uh-jyz/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/

To apologise is to say sorry (UK spelling): apologise for the delay; apologise to the customer. Apologize is US. Apology is the noun (already in the dictionary). Sorry is everyday. Do not write “apologise the mistake” — use apologise for. An apology is not always an admission of legal guilt, but in customer service it is expected.

Meaning

To say you are sorry for something you have done (UK spelling).

Examples

• “The company apologised for the delay and offered a refund.”
• “The company apologised for the missed delivery and issued a refund.”
• “He apologised to the chair for interrupting the briefing.”

Good to know

UK: apologise for / to. US: apologize. Noun: apology. Everyday: say sorry. Not “apologise the mistake”.

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