ask forgiveness
Request to reconcile
To ask forgiveness is to request pardon for a wrong you've committed—acknowledging fault and hoping the injured party will let go of resentment.
The phrase often appears in the maxim It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission, suggesting that acting first and apologizing later beats waiting for approval that might never come.
Expressing regret or apology
- mea culpaAcknowledgment of personal blame
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- pleaFormal request or defense
amends · acknowledge · admission · confession · own up · take responsibility · make amends · say sorry
Guilt for wrongdoing
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- regretSorrow over past actions
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
self-reproach · compunction · sorrow · contriteness · ruefulness · pangs of conscience · soul-searching · humility
Self-mortification for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- expiationRedress for offense
- reparationCompensation for injury done
- restitutionRestoring what was lost
sacrifice · propitiation · make good · repay · compensate · rectify · repair · restore
Resolve conflict between parties
- healRestore to wellness
- mend fencesRestore strained relations
- reuniteJoin after separation
- bury the hatchetEnd hostilities formally
patch things up · rapprochement · détente · resolution · understanding · dialogue · empathy · closure
sorry
Expressing regret or apology
- mea culpaAcknowledgment of personal blame
- pardonOfficial release from punishment
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
plea · amends · acknowledge · admission · confession · own up · take responsibility · make amends · say sorry · beg pardon
remorse
Guilt for wrongdoing
penitence · self-reproach · compunction · sorrow · contriteness · ruefulness · pangs of conscience · soul-searching · humility · sincerity
penance
Self-mortification for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- expiationRedress for offense
- reparationCompensation for injury done
restitution · sacrifice · propitiation · make good · repay · compensate · rectify · repair · restore · indulgence
make peace
Resolve conflict between parties
- healRestore to wellness
- mend fencesRestore strained relations
- reuniteJoin after separation
bury the hatchet · patch things up · rapprochement · détente · resolution · understanding · dialogue · empathy · closure · fresh start
- reconciliationreconciliation, reconcile, reconciled, reconciling, making up
ask forgivenessdouble down
Strengthen one's stance
unapologetic · impenitent · hold a grudge · retaliate · dig in one's heels
ask forgivenessmake demands
forgive, forgiveness, asked, forgiving, apologize, asking, asks, forgiven, unforgiving