I. ə|pälə|jed.ik, -etik, -ēk adjective
Etymology: probably back-formation from apologetical, from Late Latin apologeticus formal apology or justification + English -al
1. : defending by discourse
modern tolerance often listens benevolently to many apologetic pleas — G.G.Coulton
: said, written, or done in defense or by way of apology
her little apologetic titter — Audrey Barker
2. : regretfully excusing or acknowledging
an apologetic essay
• apol·o·get·i·cal·ly -ə̇k(ə)lē, -ēk-, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin apologeticus, from apologeticus suitable for defense, from Greek apologētikos, from apologeisthai to speak in defense, defend oneself verbally, from apo- + -logeisthai (from logos speech) — more at legend
1. : a formal apology or justification
a type of apologetic for natural laissez-faire and the pursuit of narrow individual self-interest — P.H.Douglas
2. : apologetics ; especially : the systematic defense and exposition of the Christian faith addressed primarily to non-Christians