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Definition of regretful

regretful

/rɪˈɡrɛtfəl/
re · gret · ful
Adverb:regretfully
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regretful Lexical Profile

regretful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling or showing sorrow, remorse, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

Example

"She offered a regretful smile before explaining that she could not attend the ceremony."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for regretful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for regretful

Word Nuance & Usage

Careful writers distinguish between 'regretful' and 'regrettable': 'regretful' typically describes a person who feels or expresses remorse, whereas 'regrettable' describes an unfortunate event, action, or situation that causes regret.

• Rhymes for regretful

• Nearby Words

regressive
regressively
regret
regretful
regretfully
regretfulness
regrettable

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the noun 'regret' plus the English suffix '-ful'. The root 'regret' entered Middle English via Old French 'regreter' (to lament the dead or bewail), likely of Germanic origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Regretful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/regretful
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