I. ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tik noun
Date: 15th century
: apologetics 1
II. adjective
Etymology: Greek apologētikos, from apologeisthai to defend, from apo- + logos speech
Date: 1649
1.
a. : offered in defense or vindication
the apologetic writings of the early Christians
b. : offered by way of excuse or apology
an apologetic smile
2. : regretfully acknowledging fault or failure : contrite
replied in an apologetic tone
• apol·o·get·i·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē adverb