my apologies

I regret that

My apologies is a somewhat formal way of saying sorry, typically for minor offenses or social awkwardness: My apologies for the delay.

It sounds more polished than a simple "sorry" but less effusive than "I'm so sorry." The phrase works well in professional contexts or when acknowledging small mistakes without excessive self-reproach.

contrition

regret

Sorrow over past actions

remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs

sorrow · guilt · shame · atonement · compunction · mea culpa · self-reproach · confession · amends · contriteness

etiquette

courtesy

Respectful, considerate behavior

politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
mannersCustoms of polite conduct
civilityFormal politeness in conduct

decorum · propriety · protocol · etiquette · deference · tact · diplomacy · graciousness · formality · convention

reconciliation

forgiveness

Releasing resentment toward offenders

understandingMental comprehension of something
empathySharing another's emotions
acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt

amends · pardon · peace · harmony · goodwill · rapport · reconciliation · compromise · concession · olive branch

Categories

Pleasantriesplease, thank you, thanks, sorry, excuse me
polite phrasesplease, thank you, yes sir, hello, no sir
humilityhumbleness, humble, meekness, modesty, modest
refusalsno, decline, no thanks, refuse, nope
yieldingI yield, surrender, I surrender, capitulation, I give up

Opposites

accountability/blame direction

my apologiesyour fault

Blame assigned to you

not my fault · no excuse · denial · deflection · passing the buck

social register/formality

my apologiesmy bad

Informal fault admission

sorry not sorry · oops · whatever · sue me · deal with it

response to wrongdoing

my apologiesno regrets

Complete peace with decisions

unrepentant · defiance · in your face · doubled down · remorseless

Family

apology, apologies, apologize, apologized, apologizing, apologizes, apologist, apologists, apologetic

Familiarity: Top 20,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G