English

Alternative forms

• 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, p. 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, …

Usage notes

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

Related terms

• preapologize