Apologia

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌæp.əˈloʊ.d͡ʒi.ə/

Definitions

1. A type of discourse that defends or justifies particular actions or beliefs typically serves to clarify a stance and may also express remorse or seek sympathy for controversial viewpoints
2. A reasoned argument presented to support or justify a particular belief or action
3. A carefully structured explanation aiming to defend one’s position against criticism

Etymology: Ancient Greek speakers used "apologia" for a formal speech made in one's own defence, most famously the one Plato attributes to Socrates at his trial, which is still read as the "Apology" today. The Greek word joined "apo-", meaning "away" or "back," to "logos," meaning "speech" or "reasoning," so the sense was a speech given to answer a charge rather than to ask forgiveness. English borrowed the word directly from Greek, and it has been a doublet of "apology" from the start. Both come from the same Greek root, but "apology" reached English through Old French and carried the sense of expressing regret, while "apologia" kept the older meaning of a reasoned defence. That split is why the two words feel so different today: one asks for pardon, the other argues a case.

Synonyms: defense, justification, explanation