apologetically

Etymology

apologetic +‎ -ally

Adverb

apologetically (comparative more apologetically, superlative most apologetically)

1. In an apologetic manner; by way of defense, apology or excuse.
   • 1905, Baroness Emmuska Orczy, chapter 1, in The Case of Miss Elliott‎:

     “Do I fidget you ?” he asked apologetically, whilst his long bony fingers buried themselves, string, knots, and all, into the capacious pockets of his magnificent tweed ulster.

References

• apologetically in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911