APOLOGY
apology, excuse
(noun) a poor example; “it was an apology for a meal”; “a poor excuse for an automobile”
apology
(noun) an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone; “he wrote a letter of apology to the hostess”
apology, apologia
(noun) a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
apology (plural apologies)
An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry).
A formal justification, defence.
Synonym: apologia
Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
Source: Wiktionary
A*pol"o*gy, n.; pl. Apologies . Etym: [L. apologia, Gr. apologie. See
Apologetic.]
1. Something said or written in defense or justification of what
appears to others wrong, or of what may be liable to disapprobation;
justification; as, Tertullian's Apology for Christianity.
It is not my intention to make an apology for my poem; some will
think it needs no excuse, and others will receive none. Dryden.
2. An acknowledgment intended as an atonement for some improper or
injurious remark or act; an admission to another of a wrong or
discourtesy done him, accompanied by an expression of regret.
3. Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
He goes to work devising apologies for window curtains. Dickens.
Syn.
– Excuse. An apology, in the original sense of the word, was a
pleading off from some charge or imputation, by explaining and
defending one's principles or conduct. It therefore amounted to a
vindication. One who offers an apology, admits himself to have been,
at least apparently, in the wrong, but brings forward some palliating
circumstance, or tenders a frank acknowledgment, by way of
reparation. We make an apology for some breach of propriety or
decorum (like rude expressions, unbecoming conduct, etc.), or some
deficiency in what might be reasonably expected. We offer an excuse
when we have been guilty of some breach or neglect of duty; and we do
it by way of extenuating our fault, and with a view to be forgiven.
When an excuse has been accepted, an apology may still, in some
cases, be necessary or appropriate. "An excuse is not grounded on the
claim of innocence, but is rather an appeal for favor resting on some
collateral circumstance. An apology mostly respects the conduct of
individuals toward each other as equals; it is a voluntary act
produced by feelings of decorum, or a desire for the good opinion of
others." Crabb.
A*pol"o*gy, v. i.
Definition: To offer an apology. [Obs.]
For which he can not well apology. J. Webster.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition