Regret
/rɪˈɡret/
Definitions
2 meaningsA feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened or something you did or did not do.
/rɪˈɡret/
A feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.
She felt a pang of regret when she realized she'd been rude to her friend.
💡 Simply: Ever done something and then wished you could take it back? That yucky feeling is regret! Like, if you ate all the cookies and then felt bad because you had none left for tomorrow. 🍪
👶 For kids: When you feel sad because you wish you hadn't done something.
More Examples
The judge expressed his regret over the lenient sentence.
How It's Used
"He expressed deep regret over his harsh words."
"The defendant showed no regret for his actions."
To feel sad or sorry about something; to wish you hadn't done something or that something hadn't happened.
/rɪˈɡret/
To feel sad or disappointed about something that has happened or been done.
I regret not taking that job offer.
💡 Simply: Regret is like when you look back at something you did and think, 'Oh man, I shouldn't have done that!' Like, if you skipped school and now have to make up all the work – major regret!
👶 For kids: To feel sad because you wish you didn't do something.
More Examples
He regretted his impulsive decision.
They regret the loss of their family home.
How It's Used
"She regretted not studying harder for the exam."
"We regret to inform you that your application has been declined."
Idioms & expressions
no regrets
Not feeling sorry about something you did or decided.
"He lived his life with no regrets."
a matter of regret
Something that causes sadness or disappointment.
"His absence from the meeting was a matter of great regret."
From Old French *regreter*, meaning 'to bewail, lament,' ultimately from Vulgar Latin **regratare* 'to greet again' (implying repetition and therefore, sadness or sorrow).
Used since the late 13th century, with an early focus on grieving or mourning. Later shifted towards personal remorse.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'regret' letter filled with tears. Think of a letter you would never want to send because of the pain it causes.