apology

Words or actions showing that you are sorry for something you did wrong.

• I owe you an apology.
• She accepted his apology for the mistake.
• Please give my apologies to your parents.

How to use it: apology for something/doing something (He offered an apology for arriving late.); apology to someone (She sent an apology to her neighbour.)

Common phrases: offer an apology, apology for something, accept an apology, sincere apology

In “make no apologies,” a statement that you believe your action was right and do not feel sorry.

• I make no apology for my decision.
• He made no apologies for charging high prices.
• We make no apology for refusing that offer.

How to use it: make no apology for something/doing something (She makes no apology for putting her family first.)

Common phrases: make no apology, apology for something

A formal speech or piece of writing that explains and defends a person, belief, or action.

• The book is an apology for his beliefs.
• She wrote an apology defending the old system.
• His speech became a lengthy apology for the movement.

How to use it: apology for something (The essay is an apology for his political beliefs.)

Similar words: defence, justification

Common phrases: apology for something, religious apology