rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryapologeticExpressing regret
adjective

apologetic

uh-pah-luh-JET-ik/əˌpɑːləˈdʒetɪk/

Showing regret for a fault or offense.

The woman looks apologetic as she offers the damaged plant to its owner.

First woman with visibly regretful bowed head offers damaged potted plant and open apologetic palm to its owner, who listens calmly; clear remorse rather than anger, sparse scene.
Etymology
apologeticGreekdefensible

The ancestor meant “defensible,” and apologetic first described something containing a defense. Its regretful sense shifts the emphasis from defending oneself to acknowledging fault or failure.

In context

No Nonsense Christianity41:13
making God look sorry and apologetic and full of mistakes is exactly what these modern Bibles do
How false bible translations distort repentance (Repentance In A Nutshell 26)

More examples

  • His letter sounded sincerely apologetic.
  • The waiter was apologetic about the long delay.
  • She became more apologetic when she saw the damage.

Forms

apologetic · more apologetic · most apologetic

Similar words

contrite
Suggests deeper remorse rather than simply expressing regret.
regretful
Can concern a disappointment without admitting personal fault.