From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishapologetica‧pol‧o‧get‧ic /əˌpɒləˈdʒetɪk◂ $ əˌpɑː-/ ●○○ adjective SORRY/APOLOGIZEshowing or saying that you are sorry that something has happened, especially because you feel guilty or embarrassed about itapologetic about The manager was very apologetic about everything. She gave me an apologetic smile.look/sound apologetic Dan came in looking very apologetic. —apologetically /-kli/ adverb ‘I know, ’ she said apologetically.
Examples from the Corpus
apologetic• His stance was apologetic, almost cringing as if he expected to be dealt a blow.• Then usually he would back off, apologetic and tender.• Even though he sounded apologetic, Celestine slammed down the receiver.• In claims that one tradition rather than another led to scientific innovation, one often detects an apologetic intention.• an apologetic letter• Benjamin stammered out an apologetic request - how he would appreciate it if no one else was told about our visit.• This apologetic use of revisionist history is, however, so full of pitfalls that it, too, deserves critical attention.• He had been very careful in the way that he spoke to her and was very apologetic when he swore.look/sound apologetic• He tried to look apologetic, but it didn't work.• He looked apologetic, but unruffled.• Even though he sounded apologetic, Celestine slammed down the receiver. 