apology

n. expression of regret or sorrow; defense, justification

An apology is a justification or defense of an act or idea, from the Greek apologia (απολογία). An apology can also be an expression of contrition and remorse for something done wrong. An example would be: "I apologize for accusing you of stealing my carrots, please forgive me!"Apology can refer to:Apologetics, the systematic defense of a position.Christian apologetics, the defense of Christianity.In literature:Apology (Plato), Plato's recording of Socrates' defense at trial.Apology (Xenophon), Xenophon's version of Socrates' defense.Apology of the Augsburg Confession, a 1531 defense of Lutheranism by Philipp Melanchthon.An Apology for the True Christian Divinity, a 1676 defense of Quakerism by Robert Barclay.An Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber, Colley Cibber's 1740 autobiography of his life as poet and playwright.Apologia Pro Vita Sua (A Defense of One's Life), an 1864 book by Cardinal John Newman in defense of Roman Catholicism.A Mathematician's Apology, a 1940 essay by G. H. Hardy."Apology" (short story), a 2007 short story by Jan Wildt.
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Noun
1. an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone; "he wrote a letter of apology to the hostess"
(hypernym) acknowledgment, acknowledgement
(derivation) apologize, apologise
2. a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly
(synonym) apologia
(hypernym) defense, defence, vindication
(derivation) apologize, apologise, excuse, justify, rationalize, rationalise
3. a poor example; "it was an apology for a meal"; "a poor excuse for an automobile"
(synonym) excuse
(hypernym) example, illustration, instance, representative

(v. i.)
To offer an apology.
  

(n.)
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.
  

(n.)
Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
  

(n.)
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.
  

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Carrying a birch and asking for punishment.
Said of a person who admits his mistakes and offers apologies on his own initiative. To kiss the rod.