Word of the Day

: December 24, 2006

rue

verb ROO

What It Means

1 : (transitive sense) to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for

2 : (intransitive sense) to feel sorrow, remorse, or regret

rue in Context

As Robert watched Deborah's train pull out of the station, he knew that he would forever rue the day he let the one woman he truly loved get away.

Did You Know?

If you remember your high school French, or if you've ever strolled down the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, you may have the notion that the English word "rue" is somehow connected to the French word for "street." In actuality, the French and English words are not related at all. The English "rue" is originally from the Old English word "hrēow," meaning "sorrow." Used as both a noun and, more frequently, a verb, "rue" is very old, dating back to before the 12th century.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.