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Regretfully: meaning, definitions and examples

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regretfully

 

[ rɪˈɡretfəli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

in expressing sorrow or disappointment

feeling or showing sorrow or disappointment, usually in relation to a past event or action. It is often used to convey a sense of remorse or sadness about a decision or outcome.

Synonyms

remorsefully, sorrowfully, unhappily

Examples of usage

  • I regretfully informed her that the position had been filled.
  • He regretfully declined the invitation to the party.
  • She regretfully looked back on the missed opportunities.
Context #2 | Adjective

feeling or expressing regret

feeling or expressing regret or remorse over a past action or decision. It implies a sense of disappointment or sadness about something that happened or was done.

Synonyms

apologetic, remorseful, sorry

Examples of usage

  • He had a regretful expression on his face.
  • She gave him a regretful smile as she left.

Translations

Translations of the word "regretfully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamentavelmente

🇮🇳 दुर्भाग्यवश

🇩🇪 bedauerlicherweise

🇮🇩 dengan menyesal

🇺🇦 на жаль

🇵🇱 niestety

🇯🇵 残念ながら (zannen nagara)

🇫🇷 malheureusement

🇪🇸 lamentablemente

🇹🇷 ne yazık ki

🇰🇷 유감스럽게도 (yugamsureopge do)

🇸🇦 للأسف (lil'asaf)

🇨🇿 bohužel

🇸🇰 bohužiaľ

🇨🇳 遗憾地 (yíhàn de)

🇸🇮 žal

🇮🇸 því miður

🇰🇿 өкінішке орай

🇬🇪 სამწუხაროდ (samtsukhroda)

🇦🇿 təəssüf ki

🇲🇽 lamentablemente

Etymology

The word 'regretfully' is derived from the verb 'regret,' which comes from the Old French word 'regreter,' meaning 'to bewail, lament, repent.' The use of 'regretfully' to express sorrow or disappointment dates back to the late 19th century.

See also: regret, regretful, regrettable, regrettably.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,117, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.