— apologetically , adv.
/euh pol'euh jet"ik/ , adj.
1. containing an apology or excuse for a fault, failure, insult, injury, etc.: An apologetic letter to his creditors explained the delay.
2. defending by speech or writing.
3. willing or eager to apologize.
4. sorry; regretful.
Also, apologetical .
[ 1400-50; late ME apologetik a formal defense ( apologeticus written defense, defensive apologetikós fit for defense, equiv. to apologe- (var. s. of apologeîsthai to speak in defense; see APOLOGIA) + -tikos -TIC ]