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Apology vs Forgive - What's the difference?

apology | forgive |

As a noun 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).

As a verb forgive is

to pardon, to waive any negative feeling or desire for punishment.

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

    forgive

    English

    Verb

  • To pardon, to waive any negative feeling or desire for punishment.
  • Only the brave know how to forgive'''...A coward never '''forgave ; it is not in his nature. -
  • To accord forgiveness.
  • Derived terms

    * *