Rue: meaning, definitions and examples

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rue

 

[ruห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling regret

Rue is a term used to express a deep sense of regret or remorse for something that has happened or not happened. It often encompasses feelings of sorrow for past actions or decisions that one wishes could be changed. In literature, rueing is commonly associated with themes of loss, disappointment, or moral conflict. The word suggests a weighty sense of guilt and introspection.

Synonyms

lament, regret, repent, sorrow.

Examples of usage

  • She began to rue the day she made that decision.
  • He often found himself rueing missed opportunities in his life.
  • They rue the loss of their friendship after the argument.
Context #2 | Verb

feeling regret

To rue is to feel sadness or remorse about something that has occurred. It is often used when someone realizes the negative consequences of their actions or when they wish they had acted differently. When one rues a situation, it indicates a reflection on the decision-making process and acknowledgment of error or misfortune.

Synonyms

feel remorse, grieve, regret.

Examples of usage

  • He ruefully admitted that he should have listened to her advice.
  • She ruefully thought of all the things left unsaid.
  • They rue the time wasted on trivial matters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Rue' comes from the Old English word 'rลซgan,' which meant to grieve or to repent.
  • The word has roots in Latin, the term 'rugere,' which translates to 'to groan,' tying pain to the emotion of regret.
  • In Middle English, 'rue' also meant 'to have pity' or 'to feel sorry,' showing its connection with empathy.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' the character expresses regret through the use of 'rue,' adding depth to themes of remorse.
  • The word appears in various poems and songs, often to evoke feelings of sadness and contemplation.
  • Classic writers like John Milton and Geoffrey Chaucer incorporated 'rue' to depict life's sorrows and dilemmas.

Psychology

  • Feeling rue is linked to what psychologists call 'counterfactual thinking,' where one imagines how things could have been better.
  • Studies show that regret can provoke strong emotions and influence future decision-making.
  • The emotional experience of rue can even lead to personal growth and behavioral changes over time.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, expressions of rue are tied to the idea of learning from mistakes, often seen as a part of personal growth.
  • Films and literature often use characters who feel rueful to highlight their journey or transformation.
  • The phrase 'to rue the day' is common and expresses a strong sentiment of wishing something had never happened.

Translations

Translations of the word "rue" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น rua

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคกเคผเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช StraรŸe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jalan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒัƒะปะธั†ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ulica

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้€šใ‚Š

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rue

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ calle

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sokak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฐ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุงุฑุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ulice

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ulica

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ก—้“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ulica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gata

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบำฉัˆะตั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒฃแƒฉแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kรผรงษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ calle

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,916, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.