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Apology vs Explanation - What's the difference?

apology | explanation |

As nouns the difference between apology and explanation

is that apology is an expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry) while explanation is the act or process of explaining.

apology

Alternative forms

* apologie (archaic)

Noun

(apologies)
  • An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry).
  • What he said really hurt my feelings, but his apology sounded so sincere that I couldn't help but forgive him.
    The CEO made a public apology for the scandal, and promised full cooperation with the authorities.
  • A formal justification, defence.
  • The Apology of Socrates.
  • Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
  • a poor apology for a hotel room
  • * Charles Dickens
  • He goes to work devising apologies for window curtains.

    Synonyms

    * (formal justification) apologia

    Derived terms

    * apologian, apologist, apologize, apologizer, preapology

    See also

    * remorse

    explanation

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act or process of explaining.
  • The explanation was long and drawn-out.
  • Something that explains, makes understandable.
  • An explanation for each UFO sighting was easily found.
  • (euphemistic) An excuse, apologetic justification not based on enough evidence.
  • expense.

    Synonyms

    * (act or process of explaining) clarification, elucidation, elaboration