apologetica‧pol‧o‧get‧ic /əˌpɒləˈdʒetɪk◂ $ əˌpɑː-/ ●○○ adjective 
The manager was very apologetic about everything. She gave me an apologetic smile.look/sound apologetic Dan came in looking very apologetic.—apologetically /-kli/ adverb: ‘I know,’ she said apologetically.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- an apologetic letter
- Benjamin stammered out an apologetic request - how he would appreciate it if no one else was told about our visit.
- Even though he sounded apologetic, Celestine slammed down the receiver.
- He had been very careful in the way that he spoke to her and was very apologetic when he swore.
- His stance was apologetic, almost cringing as if he expected to be dealt a blow.
- In claims that one tradition rather than another led to scientific innovation, one often detects an apologetic intention.
- Then usually he would back off, apologetic and tender.
- This apologetic use of revisionist history is, however, so full of pitfalls that it, too, deserves critical attention.
Longman Language Activatorto tell someone that you are sorry you did something
to tell someone you are sorry that you have upset them or done something that causes problems for them: · Sometimes it's not easy to say you are sorry.say you are sorry (that): · She finally arrived, and said she was sorry we had been kept waiting.
especially spoken to tell someone that you are sorry you have upset them or done something bad: · She says she won't see him again unless he says sorry.say sorry to: · Go and say sorry to your mother, Andrew.say sorry for (doing) something: · I don't think I should say sorry for doing what at the time I believed to be right.
also apologise British to tell someone that you are sorry, especially in a formal situation or when you do not know the person well: · I don't know why I apologized, because I didn't do anything wrong.apologize for: · I must apologize for my son's behaviour -- he isn't usually this moody.apologize for doing something: · The bank wrote to apologise for overcharging me.apologize to: · The US has apologized to Britain for the accident that cost nine British lives.apologize profusely (=apologize very much): · She rushed into the hotel, apologizing profusely for being so late.
to keep saying you are sorry because you feel guilty or embarrassed about something you have done: · The manager was apologetic, but said that Sue would have to contact head office if she wanted a refund.be apologetic about: · He was most apologetic about not being able to come to the party.
something that you say or write to tell someone that you are sorry: · The story was full of lies, and the paper had to print an apology.· In a written apology, the BBC admitted they had misled the public.accept somebody's apology/apologies formal: · Please accept our apologies for taking so long to deliver the materials you requested.owe somebody an apology: · I never thought she'd get the job. I guess I owe her an apology.demand an apology: · Blake was wrongfully arrested and is now demanding an apology from the police.letter of apology: · As he reflected on his appalling behaviour, he mentally composed a letter of apology to his host.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY She gave me an apologetic smile. Dan came in looking very apologetic.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
showing or saying that you are sorry that something has happened, especially because you feel guilty or embarrassed about itapologetic about She gave me an apologetic smile. Dan came in looking very apologetic.· Speelman was almost apologetic about his efforts to win the adjourned fourth game, with Rook and Bishop against Rook.
NOUN· Bernice flashed an apologetic smile to the Doctor, and turned towards the young couple.
The manager was very apologetic about everything. She gave me an apologetic smile.look/sound apologetic Dan came in looking very apologetic.—apologetically /-kli/ adverb: ‘I know,’ she said apologetically.