Apologies

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Apology \A*pol"o*gy\, n.; pl. {Apologies}. [L. apologia, Gr. ?;
     ? from + ?: cf. F. apologie. See {Apologetic}.]
     1. Something said or written in defense or justification of
        what appears to others wrong, or of what may be liable to
        disapprobation; justification; as, Tertullian's Apology
        for Christianity.


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              It is not my intention to make an apology for my
              poem; some will think it needs no excuse, and others
              will receive none.                    --Dryden.
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     2. An acknowledgment intended as an atonement for some
        improper or injurious remark or act; an admission to
        another of a wrong or discourtesy done him, accompanied by
        an expression of regret.
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     3. Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
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              He goes to work devising apologies for window
              curtains.                             --Dickens.
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     Syn: {Excuse}.
  
     Usage: An apology, in the original sense of the word, was a
            pleading off from some charge or imputation, by
            explaining and defending one's principles or conduct.
            It therefore amounted to a vindication. One who offers
            an apology, admits himself to have been, at least
            apparently, in the wrong, but brings forward some
            palliating circumstance, or tenders a frank
            acknowledgment, by way of reparation. We make an
            apology for some breach of propriety or decorum (like
            rude expressions, unbecoming conduct, etc.), or some
            deficiency in what might be reasonably expected. We
            offer an excuse when we have been guilty of some
            breach or neglect of duty; and we do it by way of
            extenuating our fault, and with a view to be forgiven.
            When an excuse has been accepted, an apology may
            still, in some cases, be necessary or appropriate. "An
            excuse is not grounded on the claim of innocence, but
            is rather an appeal for favor resting on some
            collateral circumstance. An apology mostly respects
            the conduct of individuals toward each other as
            equals; it is a voluntary act produced by feelings of
            decorum, or a desire for the good opinion of others."
            --Crabb.
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