Samira wrote:
It does NOT necessarily mean accepting blame. It can be an expression of sincere regret with no blame attached either way.
The definition of apology requires blame. You have to be responsible in some way in order for it to be an apology. Otherwise you are simply emphasizing with someone, as in "I would dislike it if that event happened to me, so I can understand why it bothers you."
aâ‹…polâ‹…oâ‹…gy
   /əˈpɒlədʒi/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [uh-pol-uh-jee] Show IPA
–noun, plural -gies.
1.
a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another: He demanded an apology from me for calling him a crook. 2. a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.
3. (initial capital letter, italics) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.
4. an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift: The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.
apology
A noun
1 apology, excuse
a poor example; "it was an apology for a meal"; "a poor excuse for an automobile"
2 apology
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone; "he wrote a letter of apology to the hostess" 3 apology, apologia
a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly
1 a: a formal justification : defense b: excuse 2a2:
an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret <a public apology>3: a poor substitute : makeshift
Edited, May 6th 2009 10:52am by Allegory