Remorse: meaning, definitions and examples

Remorse is a deep, torturing sense of guilt felt over wrongdoing. It often involves a wish that one could undo the actions and can be very intense.

• She felt genuine remorse for lying to her best friend
• After the accident, he was filled with remorse for his reckless driving

Regret is a feeling of sadness or disappointment over something you have done or failed to do. It usually implies a wish that things had been different but can be related to minor actions.

• She had no regrets about her life choices
• He expressed regret that he couldn't attend the meeting

Guilt is a feeling of responsibility or regret for a perceived offense, real or imaginary. It does not necessarily involve deep emotional pain.

• He felt a sense of guilt after breaking the vase
• She couldn't shake the guilt of forgetting her mother's birthday

Penitence is the feeling of sincere and deep sorrow that you have done something wrong. It often involves the desire to make amends.

• He showed true penitence by apologizing and trying to make things right
• Her penitence led her to volunteer at the shelter

Used when someone feels deeply sorry for something they have done, especially when it has caused serious harm or pain to others. It often involves a moral element and intense emotional regret.

• She felt deep remorse after realizing the impact of her harsh words.
• His voice was filled with remorse when he spoke about his past actions.

Used when someone feels sorry about a particular event or decision. It can be used for both minor and major things and doesn't always involve a moral aspect.

• She regrets not studying harder for the exam.
• He expressed regret over missing his friend's wedding.

Used in a religious or moral context where someone feels sincere regret and seeks forgiveness, often involving a commitment to change one's behavior. It implies a deeper, spiritual level of remorse.

• The sinner went to the church to repent for his misdeeds.
• He repented after realizing how much harm he had caused.

Used when someone acknowledges a mistake or wrongdoing and expresses a desire to make amends. It can be formal or informal and doesn't necessarily imply deep emotional regret.

• I apologize for being late to the meeting.
• He apologized to his friend for accidentally spilling the drink.