Etymology Map
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Apology

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a statement saying sorry

Where does the word "apology" come from? It comes from Greek apologia, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
apologia
Greek · ancient
"defence speech"
a speech of defence; Plato's Apology is Socrates' defence at his trial
2
Stage 2 of 3
apologia
Late Latin · ancient
"defence"
used for defences of the Christian faith
3
Stage 3 of 3
apology
English · 1590s
"an expression of regret"
shifted from a defence to an admission of fault
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Read the full story

Apology’s story begins in Greek: apologia meant “defence speech.” A speech of defence; Plato's Apology is Socrates' defence at his trial. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Late Latin as apologia. Used for defences of the Christian faith. It reached English by 1590s as apology. Shifted from a defence to an admission of fault. Today, apology means a statement saying sorry.