Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A polite refusal of an invitation: A formal or courteous expression of apology for not being able to accept an invitation or attend an event. It implies a sense of disappointment or sorrow at missing the occasion.
   • Feelings of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done: A sense of loss, sorrow, or guilt about past actions, events, or missed opportunities. (This is the primary meaning of the base word "regret," which is often used in the plural form "regrets" to encompass multiple such feelings.)

Usage Examples

• Noun (Polite Refusal):

  • She sent her regrets, explaining that a prior commitment prevented her from attending the gala.
  • Please convey my regrets to the host; I will be unable to make it to the dinner party.

• Noun (Feelings of Sorrow):

  • He was filled with regrets about dropping out of college.
  • In her old age, she had few regrets about the path her life had taken.

Advanced Usage

• "To have no regrets": To feel no sorrow or guilt about past decisions or actions, often implying acceptance or satisfaction with one's life choices.

  • After a long career, he retired with no regrets.

• "To express one's regrets": To formally state one's apology or sorrow, commonly used in both contexts (refusing an invitation or apologizing for an action).

  • The company expressed its regrets for the inconvenience caused to customers.

Variants and Related Words

• Regret (noun): A feeling of sadness or disappointment.
• Regret (verb): To feel sorrow or remorse for.
• Regretful (adjective): Feeling or showing regret.
• Regrettable (adjective): Deserving regret; unfortunate.

Synonyms

• Apologies: Expressions of regret for being unable to do something (specific to polite refusals).
• Remorse: Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
• Contrition: The state of feeling remorseful and penitent.

Related Phrases

• Send one's regrets: To formally decline an invitation, typically in writing.

  • I had to send my regrets as I was scheduled to be out of town.

• Full of regrets: Experiencing many feelings of sorrow about the past.

  • The character in the novel was a lonely man, full of regrets.

Idioms

• No regrets: Used to express a philosophy of living without dwelling on past mistakes or missed chances.
  • She lived her life to the fullest and had a "no regrets" attitude.

Noun

1. a polite refusal of an invitation