Words / B1

uh-POL-uh-jee/əˈpɒlədʒi/

An apology is the words you use to say sorry. Make / offer / accept an apology. An excuse explains why something happened and can sound like you are avoiding blame; an apology accepts it. Apologise is the British verb: apologise for being late. A written apology is more formal than a quick “sorry.” Apologetic is the adjective.

Meaning

A statement that you are sorry for something you have done.

Examples

• “He sent a written apology after the mistake.”
• “Please accept my apology for the mix-up.”
• “She demanded a public apology.”

Good to know

make / offer / accept an apology. Verb: apologise for + -ing. Not the same as an excuse.

Near in meaning

sorry

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