Regretted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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regretted
[rɪˈɡrɛtɪd ]
Definition
past tense
Regretted is the past tense of regret, which means to feel sorrow or remorse for something that has happened or been done. It often implies a desire to change the past due to its negative consequences.
Synonyms
apologized, lamented, repented.
Examples of usage
- She regretted not studying harder for the exam.
- He regretted his decision to leave the company.
- They regretted missing the opportunity to travel.
- I regretted the harsh words I said during the argument.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that feelings of regret can motivate people to avoid making the same mistakes again.
- Regret can be categorized into two types: regret of action (wishing you hadn't done something) and regret of inaction (wishing you had done something).
- Studies find that people often regret decisions that were made impulsively rather than those that were well thought out.
Literature
- Shakespeare explored themes of regret in plays like 'Hamlet,' where characters grapple with their past choices.
- In many novels, characters experience personal growth through their regrets, leading to redemption arcs.
- Poetry often uses regret as a powerful tool to connect emotional depth with life experiences.
Pop Culture
- Songs like 'Tears Dry On Their Own' by Amy Winehouse explore themes of regret in relationships, resonating with many listeners.
- Movies often depict characters facing powerful regrets, showcasing the emotional weight and consequences of their choices.
- Regret is a common theme in self-help literature, often discussed as a hurdle to personal happiness.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate whether regret is a necessary emotion for moral growth, suggesting it helps refine ethical beliefs.
- The concept of 'counterfactual thinking,' or imagining different outcomes, is a central part of understanding regret.
- Existential philosophers advocate for embracing regret as part of authentic living and self-awareness.
Origin of 'regretted'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'regret' comes from the Latin word 'regretare,' which means to weep or cry over something.
- In Old French, the word 'regret' meant to 'hope again,' indicating the desire for something different in the past.
- Initially, 'regret' described physical pain before it evolved to represent emotional remorse.
The word 'regret' comes from the Old French 'regretter', which means 'to weep again' and is derived from the Latin 'regrettere', meaning 'to go back' or 'to retrace one's steps'. The prefix 're-' indicates 'again' or 'back', while 'grittere' means 'to cry' or 'to call out'. This evolution reflects the emotional weight of the term, emphasizing the sorrow associated with reflecting on past actions. It has maintained its connotation of feeling sorrowful over missed opportunities or poor decisions through the centuries. 'Regretted', as the past tense form of 'regret', is used to indicate that the feeling of remorse has already occurred, often creating a sense of reflection and contemplation about one's choices.