Remorsefully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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remorsefully

[rษชหˆmษ”หs.fสŠli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

expressing regret or guilt

In a remorseful manner; feeling or showing deep regret or guilt.

Synonyms

guiltily, regretfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
remorsefully

Use this word to express deep regret or guilt over a wrongdoing, often with a sense of sorrow and a desire to make amends.

  • He looked at her remorsefully, knowing he had hurt her deeply.
  • She spoke remorsefully about her mistakes.
regretfully

Use this word when expressing a sense of regret, often for an action or decision that one wishes could be undone. It may carry a softer tone compared to 'remorsefully'.

  • She looked regretfully at the letter she had just sent.
  • He shook his head regretfully and walked away.
guiltily

This word implies a feeling of guilt or having done something wrong. It is commonly used when someone feels bad about an action they performed, often secretly or when being confronted.

  • He glanced guiltily at the broken vase.
  • She admitted guiltily that she had taken the last cookie.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him remorsefully, knowing she had made a mistake.
  • He apologized remorsefully for his actions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing remorse can motivate people to change their behavior and make amends.
  • Remorse is linked to empathy; feeling remorse shows an awareness of how one's actions affect others.
  • A strong feeling of remorse can lead to heightened emotional states, such as anxiety or depression, if not processed properly.

Literature

  • The theme of remorse is prevalent in classic literature, often used to depict a characterโ€™s moral struggles, such as in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
  • In many poems, remorseful feelings are portrayed to evoke sympathy and reflection from the reader.
  • Notable literary characters often experience remorse as a pivotal moment in their development, which serves to highlight their humanity.

Pop Culture

  • Many films depict characters feeling remorse after poor decisions, driving home the message of redemption.
  • Music often explores themes of remorse, with songs articulating feelings of regret, like Adeleโ€™s โ€˜Helloโ€™ which speaks about longing and remorse.
  • Television dramas frequently feature plots centered on a character's remorseful decisions, illustrating the conflict between right and wrong.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate whether feeling remorse is necessary for moral responsibility; it suggests an acknowledgment of one's wrongs.
  • The connection between remorse and virtue ethics highlights how personal growth can stem from feeling bad about one's actions.
  • Existential discussions consider remorse as part of the human condition, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on personal choices.

Origin of 'remorsefully'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'remordere', which means 'to bite back' or 'to cause to feel regret'.
  • It entered English through Old French, evolving to express deep feelings of sorrow.
  • The prefix 're-' denotes repetition, suggesting a return to feelings of guilt.

The word 'remorsefully' is derived from the noun 'remorse,' which comes from the Old French word 'remors' meaning 'remorse, pity, regret.' The suffix '-ful' is added to form the adverb 'remorsefully,' indicating the manner in which regret or guilt is expressed.


See also: remorse, remorseful, remorselessly, unremorseful.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,072, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.