Verb
/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/
The word "apologize" comes from the Greek word "apologia," meaning "a speech in defense," derived from "apo" (away) and "logos" (speech). Over time, the meaning evolved in Latin to "a defense or justification" and later came to signify the expression of regret or remorse in English, which began in the 16th century.
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Apologize | /əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/ |
| Spanish | Disculparse | /dis.kulˈpar.se/ |
| French | Excuser | /ɛks.ky.ze/ |
| German | Entschuldigen | /ɛntˈʃʊl.dɪ.ɡən/ |
| Italian | Scusarsi | /skwzaˈrsi/ |
| Portuguese | Desculpar-se | /deʃ.kulˈpaɾ-si/ |
| Chinese | 道歉 | /dào qiàn/ |
| Japanese | 謝る | /ayamaru/ |
| Korean | 사과하다 | /sagwahada/ |
| Arabic | اعتذر | /i‘tadhir/ |
| Russian | Извиняться | /izvinyat'sya/ |
| Hindi | माफी मांगना | /maafi maangna/ |
| Bengali | দুঃখিত হওয়া | /dukhito howa/ |
| Punjabi | ਮਾਫੀ ਮੰਗਣਾ | /mafi mangna/ |
| Gujarati | માફી માંગવી | /mafi maangvi/ |
| Marathi | माफी मागणे | /maafi maagne/ |
| Malayalam | മാപ്പ് പറയുക | /maappu parayuka/ |
| Odia | ମାଫି ମାଗିବା | /maafi maagiba/ |
| Tamil | மன்னிப்பு கோருவது | /maṉṉippu kōṟuvatu/ |
| Telugu | క్షమాపణ కోరడం | /kṣamāpaṇa kōraḍaṁ/ |
| Kannada | ಕ್ಷಮೆಯಾಚನೆ ಮಾಡು | /kṣameyācanē māḍu/ |
| Urdu | معافی مانگنا | /maafi maangna/ |
Pronunciation of "apologize" may slightly differ depending on regional accents. In American English, the stress is usually placed on the second syllable, while British English may emphasize the first syllable slightly more. Additionally, in some accents, the "z" sound is pronounced more distinctly, while others may soften it.
The word "apologize" was first recorded in English in the 16th century and originally referred to making a defense or justification for something. Over time, it took on the modern sense of expressing regret or remorse for a wrong. It has been used in religious, political, and personal contexts to describe both acts of regret and explanations or justifications for actions.
In different cultures, the act of apologizing carries varied significance. In some cultures, a formal apology is an important way to restore honor and maintain social harmony, while in others, informal or even non-verbal apologies may be more common. The act of apologizing is often viewed as an expression of humility and acknowledgment of personal responsibility.
The concept of apologizing is crucial in many social contexts, as it fosters reconciliation and understanding. Apologizing is not just a verbal act, but can involve actions that demonstrate the sincerity of one's regret. In some cases, apologies are followed by efforts to make amends or compensate for the wrong. Understanding how to apologize appropriately is considered an important social skill in both personal and professional settings.