mindmap root((辩解)) apology usually applies to an expression of regret for a mistake or wrong with implied admission of guilt or fault and with or without reference to extenuating circumstances: said by way of ~ that he would have met them if he could. apologia sometimes apology, implies not admission of guilt or regret but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position: the speech was an effective ~ for his foreign policy. excuse implies an intent to avoid or remove blame or censure: used his illness as an ~ for missing the meeting. plea stresses argument or appeal for understanding or sympathy or mercy: her usual ~ that she was nearsighted. pretext suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation: used any ~ to get out of work. alibi implies a desire to shift blame or evade punishment and imputes plausibility rather than truth to the explanation offered: his ~ failed to withstand scrutiny.