Basic Details
Word: Apologetic
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Feeling or showing that you are sorry for something you did or said.
Synonyms: Remorseful, regretful, contrite
Antonyms: Unrepentant, proud, indifferent
Idioms and Phrases
- To eat humble pie: To admit your mistakes and apologise for your actions. Example: "After realising he was wrong, he had to eat humble pie and apologise to his friend."
- Atone for one's mistakes: To make amends for something wrong you did. Example: "She tried to atone for her mistakes by being extra helpful around the house."
Usage Examples
Example 1: He felt apologetic for accidentally breaking his sister's toy and offered to buy her a new one.
Example 2: The teacher was apologetic when she realised she had forgotten to give the class their homework assignment.
Example 3: She gave an apologetic smile when she accidentally bumped into a stranger on the street.
Fun Fact
The word "apologetic" comes from the Greek word "apologia," which means "a speech in defence." Originally, it referred to the act of defending oneself in a speech, but it has now come to mean expressing sorrow or regret for what one has done.
Famous Quote
"A sincere and warmly apologetic attitude provides the best make-up for any errors." John C. Maxwell
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "apologetic" mean?
a) Feeling happy
b) Feeling or showing sorrow for something done
c) Feeling angry
d) Feeling indifferent
Answer: b) Feeling or showing sorrow for something done
2. Which of these is a synonym of "apologetic"?
a) Unrepentant
b) Regretful
c) Proud
d) Indifferent
Answer: b) Regretful
3. Which sentence uses "apologetic" correctly?
a) She felt apologetic after forgetting to invite her friend to the party.
b) He was apologetic when he won the game.
c) The cat is apologetic for climbing the tree.
d) They were apologetic for the sunny weather.
Answer: a) She felt apologetic after forgetting to invite her friend to the party.
4. What does it mean to "eat humble pie"?
a) To have a picnic
b) To admit your mistakes and apologise
c) To bake a pie for dinner
d) To ignore someone
Answer: b) To admit your mistakes and apologise
5. What is the opposite of "apologetic"?
a) Regretful
b) Indifferent
c) Sorrowful
d) Humble
Answer: b) Indifferent
