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apologetic

[/ˌæpəˈlɒdʒɛtɪk/]
adjective
desculpista; arrependido
1. expressing regret or making an apology for something
He gave an apologetic smile when he realized his mistake.
Ele deu um sorriso desculpista quando percebeu seu erro.
2. defending or justifying something against criticism or objections
The author took an apologetic stance regarding the controversial themes in her novel.
A autora adotou uma postura apologética em relação aos temas controversos de seu romance.
3. showing or expressing regret and asking for forgiveness
She made an apologetic gesture by offering flowers.
Ela fez um gesto apologético oferecendo flores.
Synonyms
contriteregretfulsorryremorsefulpenitentdefensivejustifying
Antonyms
unrepentantunapologeticbrazendefiantunremorseful

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desculpista; arrependido
most common usage
São Paulo
desculpista; pedindo desculpas
emphasizes the act of apologizing
Rio de Janeiro
arrependido; pedindo perdão
more emotional tone
Portugal
apologético; pedindo desculpa
more formal, especially in defensive context

Related Idioms & Phrases

apologetic tone
make an apologetic gesture
in an apologetic manner
offer an apologetic explanation
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