Sorriest: meaning, definitions and examples

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sorriest

 

[ˈsɔriɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

extreme emotion

The term 'sorriest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'sorry.' It is used to express the greatest degree of regret or sadness about a situation or action. When someone describes themselves or someone else as the 'sorriest,' they typically imply that they feel an overwhelming sense of guilt or sorrow. This word can also indicate pity or sympathy for someone who is in a bad situation. It's often used hyperbolically to emphasize the extent of regretfulness.

Synonyms

most pitiful, most regretful, most sorrowful.

Examples of usage

  • I am the sorriest person for missing your birthday.
  • That was the sorriest excuse I've ever heard.
  • She felt the sorriest after realizing her mistake.
  • He was the sorriest sight after the long trip.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term derives from the Old English 'sorh', which means 'grief' or 'sorrow'.
  • 'Sorriest' is the superlative form of 'sorry', meaning it describes the highest degree of feeling sorry.
  • The word has been used in the English language since at least the 12th century.

Cultural Usage

  • Expressions of regret in English-speaking cultures often lead to forgiveness and reconciliation, showcasing its emotional importance.
  • In literature, characters commonly use 'sorriest' to highlight their deepest regrets, emphasizing their internal conflicts.
  • The phrase 'sorriest state' can describe a particularly unfortunate or pitiful situation, often used in casual conversations.

Social Psychology

  • Feeling sorry or apologizing can facilitate social bonding and repair broken relationships.
  • Studies show that expressing regret can improve emotional well-being, helping individuals process their actions.
  • People are often more forgiving when they perceive genuine remorse, making 'sorriest' a key aspect of human interactions.

Literature

  • The word frequently appears in poetry to evoke strong emotions, tapping into the themes of loss and redemption.
  • Famous literary characters often experience moments of being the 'sorriest', reflecting their personal journeys and growth.
  • Shakespeare used similar expressions to convey the depths of one's sorrow, showing the emotional weight behind apologies.

Translations

Translations of the word "sorriest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais triste

🇮🇳 सबसे दुखी

🇩🇪 am traurigsten

🇮🇩 paling sedih

🇺🇦 найсумніший

🇵🇱 najsmutniejszy

🇯🇵 最も悲しい

🇫🇷 le plus triste

🇪🇸 el más triste

🇹🇷 en üzücü

🇰🇷 가장 슬픈

🇸🇦 الأكثر حزناً

🇨🇿 nejsmutnější

🇸🇰 najsmutnejší

🇨🇳 最悲伤的

🇸🇮 najbolj žalosten

🇮🇸 sorglegast

🇰🇿 ең қайғылы

🇬🇪 ყველაზე მწუხარე

🇦🇿 ən kədərli

🇲🇽 el más triste

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,807, 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.