regret

/ri'gret/

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Explanation of the Word "Regret"

Definition: "Regret" is both a noun and a verb. It refers to the feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened or something you did (or didn’t do) that you wish you could change.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "regret" when you want to express sadness about an action or decision.
• You can use it in both formal and informal situations.

Examples:

1. Noun: "Her regret over the lost opportunity was evident."
2. Verb: "I regret to inform you that your application was not accepted."

Advanced Usage:

• You might use "regret" in more formal situations, such as in business or official letters, to show professionalism. For instance, "I regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with your request at this time."

Word Variants:

• Regrettable (adjective): Something that is worthy of regret. Example: "It was a regrettable mistake."
• Regrettably (adverb): In a way that expresses regret. Example: "Regrettably, we had to cancel the event."

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "regret" can also mean to feel sorry for something in a broader sense, such as feeling sorry for someone's loss.

Synonyms:

• Remorse
• Sorrow
• Sadness
• Apology (when expressing regret)

Idioms:

• Drown one's sorrows: This means to drink alcohol to forget about your problems or sadness. Example: "After losing the match, he decided to drown his sorrows at the bar."

Phrasal Verbs:

While "regret" does not have specific phrasal verbs, it can be used in phrases like: - "Regret not doing something": "I regret not going to the concert last night."

Conclusion:

To sum up, "regret" is a versatile word that expresses feelings of sadness or disappointment about past actions or decisions. It can be used in various contexts, whether talking about personal feelings or formal situations.

Academic

Noun

1. sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment
   • he drank to drown his sorrows
   • he wrote a note expressing his regret
   • to his rue, the error cost him the game

Verb

1. express with regret
   • I regret to say that you did not gain admission to Harvard
2. decline formally or politely
   • I regret I can't come to the party
3. feel sad about the loss or absence of
4. feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

Synonyms

• sorrow
• rue
• ruefulness
• repent