 In modern usage, "apologia" describes a formal defense and should not be confused with the sense of the word 'apology' as an expression of regret; however, apology may mean apologia, depending on the context of use.The etymology of "apologia" () is derived from the root word "apologos" (), "a speech in defense", and the corresponding verb form "apologeisthai" () "to speak in one's defense".The Greek philosophers Plato, Isocrates, and Aristotle described "apologia" as an oratory to defend positions or actions particularly in the sense of a legal defense.