regret
regret Lexical Profile
regret Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over an occurrence or something that one has done or failed to do.
"She expressed deep regret for not spending more time with her grandparents while they were alive."
A polite expression of disappointment or apology, especially when declining an invitation (usually used in the plural).
"Unable to attend the charity gala due to a scheduling conflict, the senator sent his regrets to the host."
• verb
To feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or a missed opportunity.
"He immediately regretted speaking so harshly to his colleague during the heated meeting."
To state politely or formally that one is sorry or apologetic about an unwelcome fact or situation.
"We regret to inform you that your application for the fellowship was not selected this year."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, 'regret' changes meaning depending on whether it is followed by a gerund or an infinitive: 'regret doing' refers to feeling sorry about a past action, whereas 'regret to inform/say' introduces unwelcome news in the present.
• Rhymes for regret
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'regreter' (to long after or bewail the dead), which likely derived from the intensive prefix 're-' combined with a Germanic root related to Old English 'grætan' (to weep or lament).