Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Feeling or expressing deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed: The primary meaning describes a state of emotional pain, sorrow, or contrition over one's own past actions, sins, or offenses. It implies a moral conscience and a wish that one had acted differently.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The judge noted the defendant's remorseful statement before sentencing.
  • She felt deeply remorseful for the harsh words she had spoken in anger.
  • A truly remorseful person seeks to make amends for their mistakes.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Remorseful" vs. "Regretful": While both involve regret, "remorseful" is stronger and specifically tied to moral guilt over a wrongful act. "Regretful" can be used for simpler disappointment or sadness about any situation.

  • He was remorseful for having betrayed his friend's trust. (Moral guilt)
  • She was regretful that the picnic was canceled due to rain. (Disappointment)

• Formal and Literary Contexts: The word is often used in formal, legal, or literary contexts to describe a character's or person's profound guilt and repentance.

Variants and Related Words

• Remorse (n): The noun form meaning deep regret or guilt.
  • He was filled with remorse after the accident.
• Remorsefully (adv): In a manner showing remorse.
  • She apologized remorsefully for her error.
• Remorseless (adj): The opposite, meaning without pity or compassion.
  • The remorseless criminal showed no sign of guilt.

Synonyms

• Contrite: Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.
• Penitent: Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant.
• Repentant: Expressing or feeling sincere regret and remorse.

Antonyms

• Unrepentant: Not feeling or expressing regret for one's wrongdoings.
• Remorseless: Without remorse or pity.
• Defiant: Showing bold disobedience or lack of regret.

Adjective

1. feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses