Apology Meaning

Apology Definition & Usage
A statement of regret or remorse for a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing, typically accompanied by an explanation or justification.
Examples
- "She gave a heartfelt apology after forgetting their anniversary."
- "His apology was accepted, though the damage to their friendship remained."
- "The politician issued a public apology for his controversial remarks."
- "I owe you an apology for how I acted yesterday, I was out of line."
- "After the argument, he sent a text message with a sincere apology."
A formal defense or justification, especially in speech or writing, explaining why something was done, often to mitigate negative perception.
Examples
- "In his apology, the author explained the reasons behind the controversial book's themes."
- "The CEO's apology outlined the steps the company would take to resolve the issue."
- "The lawyer's apology was a plea for understanding, not an admission of guilt."
- "Her apology during the press conference explained the rationale behind her decision."
- "The professor's apology focused on the unintentional nature of the incident."
Cultural Context
In many cultures, apologies are important social practices, signaling accountability and a desire to maintain relationships. While the act of apologizing can vary in formality and sincerity, it is generally seen as a means of repairing or preserving social harmony.
The Unspoken Apology
Story
The Unspoken Apology
One evening, Sarah sat alone at the kitchen table, staring at the remnants of a dinner she had prepared in haste. It had been a week since she and her brother, Adam, had last spoken, and the silence between them weighed heavier than any argument. She had been wrong, she knew that now. The words she had said in anger were sharp, too sharp for someone she loved so deeply. But it wasn’t just the words—it was the tone, the defensiveness, the way she had shut him out. It wasn’t who she was. As the clock ticked on, Sarah's phone buzzed. A text from Adam appeared on the screen. 'I miss you, Sarah.' She took a deep breath, unsure of her next move. The last time they spoke, it had been in a whirlwind of hurt feelings. But now, this simple message felt like the first step towards healing. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she typed, 'I owe you an apology.' It was simple, but it felt right. She hit send before she could second-guess herself. Minutes later, Adam walked through the door. He looked at her, his eyes searching for any trace of the bitterness that had once been between them. But Sarah’s face was soft, her expression sincere. 'I’m sorry,' she said, 'for the things I said and for shutting you out. I didn’t mean any of it.' Adam stood still for a moment, the weight of her apology settling in. Then he smiled, a small, forgiving smile. 'I know. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have walked away.' The apology wasn’t about just words—it was about restoring the connection they both valued so much. And that night, over tea and quiet conversation, they both began to heal. In the end, the apology wasn’t just about asking for forgiveness—it was about acknowledging the damage done, taking responsibility, and opening the door for reconciliation.

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