Definition

Noun: A state or feeling of sorrow, regret, or penitence, typically stemming from a sense of having done something wrong or from a disappointing outcome. It implies a thoughtful, often quiet, sadness mixed with a degree of self-reproach or pity.

Usage

"Ruefulness" is used to describe a specific quality of sadness that is contemplative and linked to personal fault or misfortune. It is a formal and somewhat literary term. * It often describes a person's demeanor, expression, or tone of voice. * It is commonly preceded by possessive determiners like his, her, my, or their. * It can be the object of verbs like express, feel, show, or sense.

Examples

• She looked at the broken vase with ruefulness, knowing it was her own carelessness that caused it.
• His voice was filled with ruefulness as he apologized for missing the important event.
• I could sense his ruefulness over the failed business venture.
• She accepted the criticism with a smile of ruefulness, acknowledging its truth.

Advanced Usage

• "With ruefulness": This prepositional phrase is a common way to modify a verb, describing how an action is performed.
  • He admitted his mistake with ruefulness.
• "A ruefulness that...": Used to introduce a clause specifying the cause of the feeling.
  • There was a ruefulness in her eyes that spoke of missed opportunities.

Variants and Related Words

• Rueful (adjective): Feeling or expressing ruefulness.
  • He gave a rueful smile.
• Rue (verb or noun, more literary): To bitterly regret (something); or the feeling of regret itself.
  • She will rue the day she made that decision. (verb)
  • He felt a pang of rue. (noun)

Synonyms

• Regret: A feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.
• Remorse: Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
• Contrition: The state of feeling remorseful and penitent.
• Penitence: The action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.

Antonyms

• Satisfaction: Fulfillment of one's wishes, expectations, or needs.
• Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction.
• Impenitence: The state of not feeling regret or shame.

Idioms and Phrases

• "More in sorrow than in anger": While not containing the word "ruefulness," this idiom captures a similar sentiment of an action done with sadness and regret rather than fury.
  • He criticized his former friend's actions, more in sorrow than in anger.

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