Do they? I thought “I’m sorry” was specifically about sharing how you are feeling vs “I apologise” which is an acknowledgment of your action(s). They often correlate but not always a given.
Just my 20c…
Edit: I can’t spell actions apparently.
Bonus DVD directors cut edit:
So reading all the cool comments below has taught me that the most ambiguous situation that can arise linguistically, is inadvertently bumping into someone whilst trying to ask directions during a Canadian funeral.
If you’re apologizing for something you did, you likely would say either.
If you’re at a funeral you might say to the survivors of the decedent, “I’m sorry” as in, “I am sorry for your loss”. Whereas saying “I apologize” to them can only mean you believe you’re at fault for the decedent’s passing.
They often correlate but not always a given.
Like at a funeral for example?
Damn inflation really caught up with giving your 2 cents!
In Canada saying I’m sorry/apologize can’t be taken as an admittance of fault. So may legally vary in place to place, but there isn’t actually a difference.
They have the same meaning to me. Either one is interchangable with the other, trying to distinguish them is just semantics/splitting hairs IMO.
I’m sorry you think that, but I’m not going to apologise for your mistake.
It’s important to know the difference between
Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned
and
I’m sorry, Daddy; I’ve been very naughty
I wonder how many Demetri Martin jokes are stolen every day on Xitter
All of them.
Where’s that guy been anyway
I apologize for your loss
I’m sorry = I am sorrowful (sympathy or empathy)
I apologize = I am to explain my action (defense)
Consider:
- “I’m sorry you feel that way.”
- “I owe you an apology.”
- “What a sorry excuse for a ___ .”
Meaning, “I apologize” at a funeral is the same as “In my defense…”
Can we just post Dimitri Martin jokes and pass them off as our own?
Not if you’re the one who caused the funeral.
