preapology

See also: pre-apology

English

Alternative forms

• pre-apology

Etymology

From pre- +‎ apology.

Noun

preapology (plural preapologies)

1. An apology in advance; an apology before the fact.
   • 1916, D. Emery, The Seventh Regiment Gazette,, volume 31, page 141:

     However, I am informed that Gazette readers were greeted with a somewhat similar pre-apology by Justice when he first put pen to paper in the capacity of what he calls scribe, […]

   • 2004, Aaron Lazare, On Apology, Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 172:

     A common “pre-apology” occurs when people “apologize” in anticipation of leaving a meeting early.

Usage notes

• Significantly more popular since c. 2000; only occasional, irregular use prior to then.

Related terms

• preapologize