Dictionary
1apologetic
noun apol·o·get·ic \ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tik\
Definition of APOLOGETIC
: apologetics 1
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First Known Use of APOLOGETIC
15th century
Rhymes with APOLOGETIC
2apologetic
adjective
: feeling or showing regret : expressing an apology
Full Definition of APOLOGETIC
1
a : offered in defense or vindication <the apologetic writings of the early Christians> b : offered by way of excuse or apology <an apologetic smile>
2
: regretfully acknowledging fault or failure : contrite <replied in an apologetic tone>
— apol·o·get·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See apologetic defined for English-language learners
See apologetic defined for kids
Origin of APOLOGETIC
Greek apologētikos, from apologeisthai to defend, from apo- + logos speech
First Known Use: 1649
Related to APOLOGETIC
- Synonyms
- contrite, compunctious, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry
- Antonyms
- impenitent, remorseless, unapologetic, unrepentant
Rhymes with APOLOGETIC
APOLOGETIC Defined for Kids
apologetic
adjective apol·o·get·ic \ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tik\
Definition of APOLOGETIC for Kids
: sorry for having done or said something wrong <They were apologetic about their rude behavior.>
— apol·o·get·i·cal·ly \-ti-kə-lē\ adverb
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