regretful

/rɪˈɡrɛtfəl/
adjectiveIntermediate
formalinformal

Feeling or expressing regret or sorrow for something done or undone.

He gave a regretful sigh when he heard the bad news.

He sighed sadly, feeling sorry about the unfortunate news.

The regretful look on her face showed she wished she had acted differently.

Her sorrowful expression indicated she regretted her past actions.

💡

Often used to describe a person's emotional state when they realize they have made a mistake or caused harm.

Collocations

regretful looka sorrowful or remorseful facial expressionregretful sigha deep breath expressing sorrow or regret

Synonyms

Antonyms

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'regretful' to describe a person's emotional state when they feel sorry for something they did or didn't do.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'regretful', from Old French 'regret' (to regret) + '-ful' (full of).

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used to describe someone who feels sorrow or remorse for their actions or inactions. Often used in formal and informal contexts.

Word Breakdown

regret
a feeling of sorrow or remorse
root
+
-ful
full of
suffix
English Dictionary