regret

play

verb re·gret \ri-ˈgret\

Definition of regret

regretted

;

regretting

transitive verb
1a : to mourn the loss or death ofb : to miss very much
2 : to be very sorry for regrets his mistakes
intransitive verb
: to experience regret

regretter

noun

See regret defined for English-language learners

See regret defined for kids

Examples of regret in a Sentence

Don't say anything you might regret later.
I deeply regret what I said.
She does not regret leaving him.
He regrets not traveling more when he was younger.
He says he doesn't regret anything that he's done in his life.

Origin and Etymology of regret

Middle English regretten, from Anglo-French regreter, from re- + -greter (perhaps of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse grāta to weep) — more at greet

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

regret

noun re·gret

Definition of regret

1 : sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair
2a : an expression of distressing emotion (such as sorrow)b regrets plural : a note politely declining an invitation

regretful

play \-ˈgret-fəl\ adjective

regretfulness

noun

See regret defined for English-language learners

Examples of regret in a Sentence

She has no regrets about leaving him.
My greatest regret is not going to college.
To my regret, I never visited Europe.
It is with deep regret that he is announcing his resignation.
My coworker gives her regrets for not being able to attend the meeting.

First Known Use of regret

circa 1500

Synonym Discussion of regret

sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind. sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse. a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause. the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents anguish suggests torturing grief or dread. the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery. cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse. nagging regret for missed opportunities

REGRET Defined for English Language Learners

regret

play

verb

Definition of regret for English Language Learners

: to feel sad or sorry about (something that you did or did not do) : to have regrets about (something)
—used formally and in writing to express sad feelings about something that is disappointing or unpleasant

regret

noun

Definition of regret for English Language Learners

: a feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that you did or did not do
regrets : a statement saying politely that you will not be able to go to a meeting, party, etc.

REGRET Defined for Kids

regret

play

verb re·gret \ri-ˈgret\

Definition of regret for Students

regretted

;

regretting

: to be sorry for She regrets her rash decision. “… very common and ill-mannered they are, I regret to say.” — Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach

regret

play

noun re·gret

Definition of regret for Students

1 : sadness or disappointment caused especially by something beyond a person's control I recall my harsh words with much regret.
2 : an expression of sorrow or disappointment
3 regrets plural : a note politely refusing to accept an invitation I send my regrets.