English vocabulary · C1
Apologist
/əˈpɑːlədʒɪst/ · n.
An apologist is a person who speaks for someone or something after other people say it is wrong. The person gives reasons to protect it.
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Example sentences
- The reporter called him an apologist for the mayor.
- She became an apologist for the failed plan.
Word origin and roots
from Greek
- apologia — defense (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- DEFENDER — protects from blame (Against Attack)
- SUPPORTER — shows help or approval (Positive Backing)
- ADVOCATE — speaks openly for a cause (Public Argument)
Words with the same root
apologia — defense
- apology — words showing regret
- apologize — say you are sorry
- apologetic — showing regret
Lesson notes
An apologist is a person who speaks for someone or something after other people say it is wrong. The person gives reasons to protect it.
Related: defender, supporter, advocate. Use apologist when someone keeps defending a person or idea that many people attack.
The reporter called him an apologist for the mayor. She became an apologist for the failed plan.
From Greek. Apologia means defense. New Latin changed apologia to apologista. In English, an apologist speaks in defense of someone or something.