regretful
/ri'gretful/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Feeling or expressing regret, sorrow, or a sense of loss: Describes a state of feeling sad, disappointed, or sorry about something that has happened or something one has done or failed to do.
Usage
The adjective "regretful" is used to describe a person's emotional state or the tone of their expression. It is typically followed by prepositions like "about," "over," or "of." It describes a feeling of sadness mixed with a wish that a past action or situation had been different.
Examples
- Describing a person's feeling:
- She gave a regretful sigh as she declined the invitation.
- He was deeply regretful about the argument.
- Describing an expression or tone:
- His voice was soft and regretful when he apologized.
- She cast a regretful glance at the closed bakery.
Advanced Usage
- "Regretful of": (Formal) Feeling regret concerning a specific thing.
- He was regretful of his hasty decision.
- "Regretful that": Used to introduce a clause stating the cause of the regret.
- I am regretful that I cannot attend your wedding.
Variants and Related Words
- Regretfully (adverb): In a regretful manner.
- He regretfully informed them of the cancellation.
- Regretfulness (noun): The state or quality of being regretful.
- Her regretfulness was evident in her letter.
Synonyms
- Remorseful: Feeling deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. (Implies a stronger sense of moral guilt than "regretful.")
- Contrite: Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt. (Often used in religious or very formal contexts.)
- Apologetic: Expressing or showing regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure.
- Repentant: Feeling or expressing sincere regret and remorse.
Antonyms
- Unrepentant: Not feeling or expressing regret for one's wrongdoings.
- Unapologetic: Not acknowledging or expressing regret for one's actions.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To one's regret: Causing one to feel regret.
- Much to my regret, I had to sell the family heirloom.
- No regrets: A phrase declaring that one feels no sorrow or disappointment about past actions.
- I left that job and have no regrets.
Adjective
-
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
-
felt regretful over his vanished youth
-
regretful over mistakes she had made
-
he felt bad about breaking the vase
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