adjective
apologetic
Defending or justifying a belief or position.
The scholar examines an apologetic essay defending the movement's central beliefs.
Etymology
The Greek adjective concerns making a defense. This sense of apologetic preserves that meaning: it offers reasons supporting a position rather than expressing regret for wrongdoing.
More examples
- The speech was apologetic rather than critical of the regime.
- She studies apologetic writing from the early church.
- The book's apologetic purpose shapes its selection of evidence.
Similar words
- defensive
- Can imply protecting oneself rather than systematically justifying beliefs.
- justificatory
- Specifically seeks to demonstrate reasons for a belief or action.