'apologize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'apologia,' where 'apo-' meant 'away' and 'logia' meant 'speech.'

'apologia' transformed into the Late Latin word 'apologia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'apologize' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a formal defense of a position,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing regret for a wrongdoing.'