Sorrier Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sorrier

[หˆsษ”หr.i.ษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

Sorrier is the comparative form of the adjective sorry, meaning feeling regret or sadness about something. It is used to indicate a greater degree of regret or sadness than 'sorry.' This term is often employed to express empathy or remorse in various situations, particularly when someone has made a mistake or can do nothing to alleviate someone's suffering. It can also denote a sense of disappointment or pity in a particular circumstance.

Synonyms

more apologetic, more regretful, more remorseful.

Examples of usage

  • I felt sorrier for my friend than I did for myself.
  • He couldn't help but feel sorrier after hearing her story.
  • She was sorrier than ever after realizing her mistake.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling 'sorrier' often indicates a deeper sense of empathy for othersโ€™ feelings compared to just feeling 'sorry'.
  • Studies show that expressing being sorrier can lead to more effective conflict resolution and social bonding.
  • Apologizing sincerely, including the feeling of being sorrier, can activate areas of the brain associated with compassion.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, expressing how 'sorrier' one feels is important for maintaining relationships and community harmony.
  • Modern pop culture often portrays characters who become increasingly 'sorrier' as they confront their mistakes, highlighting personal growth.
  • Public figures and celebrities often issue statements where they express they are 'sorrier' to connect emotionally with their audience after controversies.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features characters who express deeper regrets, often using the term to convey the weight of their actions.
  • In some poetry, phrases expressing sorrow, including 'sorrier', convey profound emotional turmoil and longing.
  • Authors like Shakespeare and Dickens frequently explored themes of regret, with characters often articulating their feelings of being sorrier in moments of personal conflict.

Origin of 'sorrier'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sorrier' is the comparative form of 'sorry', which originates from the Old English word 'sorig', meaning 'sorrowful'.
  • In the 14th century, the word began to be used to express feelings of sadness or distress more intensively.
  • Language evolution shows that adding 'er' at the end of adjectives intensifies their meaning in many English words, like 'greater' or 'taller'.

The word 'sorry' is derived from the Old English term 'sรฆฬ„riฤก,' which referred to feeling sorrowful or experiencing distress. It evolved through Middle English, with forms like 'sory' and 'sorศณ,' retaining the same core meaning. Over time, the comparative form 'sorrier' emerged to allow speakers to express a deeper level of sadness or regret. The usage of 'sorry' has broadened, now encompassing apologies in everyday language, making it a common expression of empathy or compassion. The comparative 'sorrier' conveys a comparative degree of that emotional state, emphasizing the varied shades of human emotion in language.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,410, 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.