In a way that defends, justifies, or explains something; or in a manner expressing regret or apology.
From 'apologetic' + '-ally' suffix. Can mean either 'in a defending manner' (theological sense) or 'in a sorry manner' (modern colloquial sense), showing how one word has two different meanings.
This word is a perfect example of semantic drift—it started meaning 'defending your position' but evolved to mean 'saying sorry,' almost the opposite spirit!
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