apology

Everyday

1. Words that say you are sorry for something you did wrong or for hurting someone. tree →
2. A message saying someone cannot come: "apologies for absence". tree →
3. An apology can also be a polite excuse for a small trouble, such as interrupting someone. tree →

In the lessons

In manners and feelings lessons, a good apology says sorry, names what you did, and tries to make it right. In stories, an apology can mend a friendship. Phrases: make an apology, say an apology, owe someone an apology, accept an apology, a letter of apology.

Examples

• I owe you an apology for being rude. tree →
• He made an apology to his teacher. tree →
• She accepted my apology and we played again. tree →
• A real apology means you try not to do it again. tree →
• Please write a letter of apology to the neighbour. tree →
• My apologies for being late. tree →

Note

Countable: one apology, two apologies (y changes to ies). Use "an" before it: an apology. The verb is "apologise" (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland) or "apologize" (USA, Canada). A sincere apology is more than just the word "sorry"; it means you understand what went wrong.