Apologize Meaning
Apologize Definition & Usage
To say sorry for an action, behavior, or situation, especially if it has caused harm or disappointment.
Examples
- "She apologized for arriving late to the meeting."
- "I must apologize for the misunderstanding earlier today."
- "He apologized after the argument, realizing he had been too harsh."
- "The company issued a formal apology to its customers after the data breach."
- "They apologized profusely for the mistake in the report."
To formally express regret or remorse, often in a public or official manner.
Examples
- "The president apologized for the government's failure to respond to the crisis promptly."
- "The company apologized to shareholders after the poor earnings report."
- "He apologized on behalf of the organization for the confusion caused."
- "They apologized in front of the crowd for the delay in the performance."
- "The celebrity publicly apologized for his offensive comment on social media."
Cultural Context
The act of apologizing is a deeply ingrained part of social and cultural norms across the world. It is seen as a way to maintain respect and harmony, acknowledging fault and attempting to repair relationships. Apologies are particularly important in formal settings, where they can help restore trust and reputation.
A Heartfelt Apology
Story
A Heartfelt Apology
It had been a long day at the office, and Sarah knew she had made a mistake. She had been rushed and overlooked an important detail in the report, which resulted in a significant error that affected the project team's progress. She had already heard murmurs in the hallways about the mistake, and she could sense the tension in the air. When it was time for the meeting, Sarah walked in, feeling a mixture of guilt and regret. Her manager, Mr. Taylor, had already started the meeting, but paused when he saw her enter. 'Sarah, I believe you have something to say?' he asked, his voice calm but firm. Without hesitating, Sarah stood up and said, 'I want to sincerely apologize for the oversight in the report. It was entirely my fault, and I understand the inconvenience it caused. I’ll do everything in my power to correct it immediately.' She could see the nods from her colleagues, some of whom had been frustrated by the delay. The room was quiet for a moment, but then Mr. Taylor spoke up, 'I appreciate your apology, Sarah. We all make mistakes, but what matters is how we move forward.' Her apology wasn’t just about saying 'sorry'; it was a recognition of the problem and a commitment to fix it. By owning up to her mistake, Sarah restored some of the trust she had lost and set a positive example for her team. The lesson was clear: apologizing isn’t just about expressing regret—it’s about taking responsibility and finding solutions.'
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