apologise

Everyday

1. To say you are sorry for something you did wrong or for something that upset or hurt someone. tree →
2. To say sorry politely for a small trouble, like being late or interrupting. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety lessons, apologising is part of good manners and of fixing a friendship after a quarrel: you say what you did, say sorry, and try to put it right. In stories, a character who apologises shows they understand they were wrong. Phrases: «apologise to someone», «apologise for something», «apologise for being late», «I apologise».

Examples

• I apologised to my sister for breaking her pencil. tree →
• You should apologise to Sam for pushing him. tree →
• The bus driver apologised for the delay. tree →
• She apologised for interrupting the teacher. tree →
• He never apologises, even when he is wrong. tree →
• "I apologise," said the waiter, and brought a clean fork. tree →
• A good apology says what you did and how you will fix it. tree →
• We apologised to our neighbour after the ball hit her window. tree →

Note

British spelling «apologise»; American spelling «apologize» — both are correct. The noun is «apology» (plural «apologies»). Say «apologise TO a person FOR a thing», not «apologise someone». A real apology means it; saying sorry while still teasing is not a real apology.