apologetically

apologetically — adverb

1. with a way of speaking, looking, or behaving that shows you regret a mistake, a

1.adverbB2
Definition

with a way of speaking, looking, or behaving that shows you regret a mistake, a wrong action, or an inconvenience you have caused.

Example

Erik smiled apologetically as he squeezed past the other passengers on the train.

manner adverb before verb of facial expression

Zola apologetically explained that she had lost the library books her friend lent her.

Common collocations
  • smile apologetically
  • look apologetically at
  • say apologetically
  • explain apologetically
  • apologetically admit
  • apologetically tell
  • shrug apologetically
  • grin apologetically
Synonyms
  • sheepishly

    suggests embarrassment or shame, often about a minor fault, while apologetically focuses more on expressing regret

  • contrite (adjective form used with 'look' or 'tone')

    describes the person's feeling rather than the manner of an action; more formal and intense

  • ruefully

    adds a touch of wry, sad amusement at one's own mistake, less directly apologetic

Antonyms
  • unapologetically

    direct opposite — doing something without regret or without saying sorry

  • defiantly

    shows resistance or refusal to admit fault, the opposite of accepting blame

Grammar Patterns

verb + apologetically

apologetically + verb

Usage Note

Almost always modifies verbs of speech (said, explained, admitted, told) or verbs describing facial expression and body language (smiled, looked, shrugged, grinned). It is rarely used with dynamic action verbs such as ran, cooked, or built.

Common Mistakes

She gave him an apologetically look.
She gave him an apologetic look.
The adjective 'apologetic' goes before a noun; 'apologetically' is an adverb that modifies a verb.
He apologetically when he arrived late.
He spoke apologetically when he arrived late.
An adverb cannot stand alone; it needs a verb to describe.

Word family

  • apologise
    verbB1
  • apology
    nounB1
  • apologetic
    adjectiveB2
  • unapologetic
    adjectiveC1
  • unapologetically
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Apologetically, sheepishly, ruefully, and penitently all describe doing something with regret, but they differ in tone. Apologetically is the most neutral and practical word — it simply means expressing sorrow for a fault, whether serious or minor. Sheepishly adds embarrassment and shyness, often for small awkward mistakes like showing up late or forgetting a name. Ruefully introduces a hint of sad, wry humour — you regret what happened but can see the irony in it. Penitently is more formal and serious, suggesting genuine remorse for a moral wrong rather than a social slip. For example: a child who broke a window looks apologetically at the owner; a teenager who forgot a friend's birthday grins sheepishly; a traveller who missed a flight shakes their head ruefully; someone who hurt a loved one's feelings speaks penitently.

apologetically ↗sheepishlyruefullypenitently

Common collocations

Phrases

  • smile apologetically
  • look apologetically at
  • say apologetically
  • explain apologetically
  • admit apologetically
  • shrug apologetically
  • grin apologetically
  • murmur apologetically

Etymology

GreekLate LatinEnglish

Formed from apologetic (the adjective meaning 'expressing regret') + the adverb-forming suffix -ally. The adjective apologetic comes from the Greek word apologetikos, meaning 'fit for a defense' or 'speaking in reply,' which in turn comes from apologia, a speech made to defend or justify oneself. Over time, the sense shifted from defending an action to expressing regret for it.