apologetic

Etymology

From French apologétique, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογητικός (apologētikós, “of or suitable for defense”), from ἀπολογέσθαι (apologésthai, “to speak in defense of”); see more at English apology.

adj

1. Having the character of apology; regretfully excusing.
   His tone was apologetic as he explained what had happened.
   Aberdeen Joint is a fine station. Its approach is a real approach, not an apologetic side-street; its granite building has a dignity in keeping with the famous city skyline it faces, …. 1941 January, C. Hamilton Ellis, “The Scottish Station”, in Railway Magazine, page 3
   Scott, somewhat stunned and now worried that everybody might have opened fire at the U.S. destroyers (he presumably missed Laffey and Farenholt merrily blazing away with their own guns into the darkness), ordered all firing to cease after a couple of minutes. Helena, along with Boise, was already several hundred shells lighter, and both Boise and San Francisco herself actually kept firing, as their captains were utterly sure about their targets; San Franciscos captain was very apologetic' as he overruled Admiral Scott. 9 December 2020, Drachinifel, 20:18 from the start, in Guadalcanal Campaign - Cape Esperance (IJN 1 : 2 USN), archived from the original on 2022-12-04
2. (dated) Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense.