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Regretful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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regretful

[rษชหˆษกretfสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling or showing regret; sorrow or remorse for something done or undone.

Synonyms

remorseful, sorrowful, sorry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regretful

Used when someone feels sad and disappointed about something they did or did not do. It usually indicates a sense of wishing things had been different.

  • He was regretful about not attending the meeting.
  • I feel regretful for missing her birthday party.
sorry

A common and versatile word used to apologize or show sympathy for something minor or casual. Can also be used to express regret.

  • I'm sorry for being late.
  • She felt sorry for the stray dog.
sorrowful

Conveys a deep and profound sadness, often related to loss, grief, or mourning.

  • The sorrowful look in his eyes was unmistakable.
  • It was a sorrowful day when she passed away.
remorseful

Typically used to describe a deep sense of guilt or shame for a wrongdoing, often more serious or moral in nature.

  • She was remorseful for her harsh words.
  • The thief appeared genuinely remorseful in court.

Examples of usage

  • He was regretful for not attending his best friend's wedding.
  • She felt regretful about the way she treated her parents.
  • I could see the regretful expression on his face.
  • The regretful tone in her voice was evident.
  • The regretful decision haunted him for years.
Context #2 | Adjective

expression

Expressing or indicating regret; apologetic.

Synonyms

apologetic, contrite, penitent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
regretful

Feeling sadness or disappointment over something that happened or something that one did. It expresses a general sense of sorrow.

  • She felt regretful about the harsh words she had spoken.
  • After the incident, he was regretful and wished he could take it back.
apologetic

Feeling or showing regret for having done something wrong; ready to acknowledge mistakes and often immediately express it. Typically used in social or polite contexts.

  • He gave an apologetic smile and admitted his mistake.
  • She was apologetic for arriving late to the meeting.
contrite

Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt. It suggests a deeper level of sorrow and a sense of guilt.

  • After realizing the consequences of his actions, he was truly contrite.
  • Her contrite behavior showed she was sincerely sorry for her mistakes.
penitent

Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; typically for moral or religious reasons. It often implies a desire for forgiveness.

  • The penitent man went to confession to seek forgiveness.
  • She had a penitent look as she apologized for her actions.

Examples of usage

  • His regretful gaze met hers.
  • She sent a regretful smile his way.
  • The regretful letter conveyed his apologies.
  • The regretful sigh spoke volumes.
  • His regretful words touched her heart.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The feeling of regret can motivate people to change their behavior in the future, helping them avoid making the same mistake.
  • Studies show that regret can lead to increased empathy, making people more understanding of others' mistakes.
  • People often regret actions more than inactions, meaning they feel worse about things they did than things they didn't do.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore the theme of regret, such as 'Anna Karenina,' where characters face the consequences of their choices.
  • Poetry frequently expresses regret, often using it to explore deeper themes of loss and longing.
  • Shakespeare's works frequently showcase characters grappling with regret, emphasizing the human struggle with choices.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, expressing regret publicly is viewed as a sign of humility and honesty.
  • Different cultures have various rituals or practices to deal with feelings of regret, indicating how pervasive this emotion is across societies.
  • The concept of 'Hagakure' in Japanese culture advises reflecting on past actions to move forward with clarity, embracing regret as a life lesson.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss regret in the context of free will, questioning the decisions people make and the weight of those choices.
  • Existential thinkers argue that regret is a natural part of the human experience, integral to understanding one's existence.
  • Some philosophical schools suggest that embracing regret can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs address feelings of regret, resonating with listeners through shared emotional experiences.
  • Films often portray characters undergoing transformations because of their regrets, driving home the importance of choices.
  • Social media can amplify feelings of regret as users compare their lives with others, leading to reflections on personal choices.

Origin of 'regretful'

The word 'regretful' originated from the combination of 'regret' and the suffix '-ful', which means 'full of'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the feeling or expression of regret. The concept of regret has been present throughout human history, reflecting the complex emotions associated with past actions or decisions.

See also: regret, regretfully, regrettable, regrettably.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,676, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.