apology
Definitions
An expression of regret for having wronged or hurt someone
道歉，致歉
A reasoned written or spoken defense of a belief or position
辩护，辩白（为某信念或立场）
A poor or token example of something (an apology for ...)
勉强凑数的东西（an apology for...）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedapo- (back, away) + logy (logos = speech) = 'a speech in your defense' — talking your way back from a charge. Plato's Apology is Socrates defending himself, not apologizing. Over centuries the legal defense softened into everyday 'sorry,' but the old sense lives in 'an apology for one's faith.'
Root log still carries 50 more wordsWhy It Means This
The everyday meaning ('sorry') is actually the late one. Originally an apology was a formal self-defense — a speech arguing your case back against an accusation. That older 'reasoned defense' sense still appears in titles like 'An Apology for Poetry.'
Common Collocations
- 1.offer an apology致歉
- 2.owe someone an apology欠某人一个道歉
- 3.a formal apology正式道歉
- 4.accept an apology接受道歉
Example Sentences
- 1.
She offered a sincere apology for the misunderstanding.
- 2.
The book is an apology for traditional family values.
- 3.
He owes you an apology after what he said.