First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1regret
verb re·gret \ri-ˈgret\
: 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
re·gret·tedre·gret·ting
Full Definition of REGRET
transitive verb
1
a : to mourn the loss or death of b : to miss very much
2
: to be very sorry for <regrets his mistakes>
intransitive verb
: to experience regret
— re·gret·ter noun
See regret defined for English-language learners
See regret defined for kids
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Origin 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
Rhymes with REGRET
abet, aigrette, all wet, backset, baguette, banquette, barbette, barquette, barrette, beget, beset, blanquette, boneset, brevet, briquette, brochette, brunet, burette, burnet, cadet, cassette, cermet, Colette, coquet, coquette, cornet, corselet, corvette, coset, courgette, croquette, curette, curvet, cuvette, dinette, dip net, diskette, dragnet, duet, egret, fan-jet, fishnet, fly net, forget, gazette, georgette, Gillette, gillnet, gill net, godet, grisette, handset, hard-set, headset, ink-jet, inlet, inset, jet set, Juliet, kismet, layette, life net, lorgnette, lunette, maquette, Marquette, mind-set, mist net, moonset, moquette, motet, musette, nerve net, noisette, nonet, nymphet, octet, offset, onset, outlet, outset, paillette, pallette, palmette, pipette, piquet, planchette, pound net, poussette, preset, quartet, quickset, quintet, raclette, ramet, ramjet, reset, revet, rocket, roomette, rosette, roulette, saw set, septet, sestet, sextet, sharp-set, soubrette, spinet, stage set, stylet, sublet, subset, sunset, syrette, tea set, thickset, Tibet, toilette, tonette, trijet, twinset, typeset, Undset, unset, upset, vedette, vignette, well-set
2regret
noun
: 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.
Full Definition of REGRET
1
: sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair
2
a : an expression of distressing emotion (as sorrow) b plural : a note politely declining an invitation
— re·gret·ful \-ˈgret-fəl\ adjective
— re·gret·ful·ness noun
See regret defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of REGRET
1590
Related to REGRET
- Synonyms
- contriteness, contrition, penitence, guilt, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame
- Antonyms
- impenitence, remorselessness
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 Kids
1regret
verb re·gret \ri-ˈgret\
re·gret·tedre·gret·ting
Definition of REGRET for Kids
: 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>
2regret
noun
Definition of REGRET for Kids
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.>
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