Apologising

/əˈpɒlədʒaɪzɪŋ/ verb

Definition

British spelling of 'apologizing'—expressing regret or saying sorry for something you did wrong.

Etymology

From Greek 'apologia' meaning 'defense' (apo- 'away from' + logos 'word'), so originally meant defending yourself, but over centuries shifted to mean admitting fault and asking forgiveness.

Kelly Says

It's funny that 'apology' comes from a Greek word for 'defense'—so technically the ancient Greeks were defending themselves when they apologized, but English speakers flipped it to mean admitting you were wrong!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Women socialized to over-apologize; research shows women apologize for non-offenses. Gendered language norms treat women's assertion as requiring apology; men's assertion as confidence. Impacts credibility coding.

Inclusive Usage

Monitor whether apology language is deployed equally. Women's directness shouldn't require preemptive apologies. Use 'I disagree' instead of 'I'm sorry, but...' when asserting.

Inclusive Alternatives

["clarifying","disagreeing","correcting"]

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