Apologetic

{ A‐pol′o‐get″ic (�), A‐pol′o‐get″ic‐al (�), } a. [Gr. �, fr. � to speak in defense of; � from + � speech, � to say, to speak. See Logic.] Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense, or by way of apology; regretfully excusing; as, an apologetic essay. “To speak in a subdued and apologetic tone.” Macaulay.