Meaning of Word
Regret refers to the feeling of sorrow, disappointment, or remorse about something that has happened or something one has done or failed to do. It can also refer to the expression of such feelings.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Noun: A feeling of sadness or remorse about a past action, decision, or situation.
- Verb: To feel sorrow or disappointment about something that has occurred or been done.
- Verb: To express an apology or show remorse for something, often with a desire to make amends.
- Noun: A formal expression of apology or sorrow, often in relation to a missed opportunity or decision.
History and Origin
The word “regret” originates from the Latin word regretare, meaning “to look back” or “to feel sorrow.” It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally meaning to look back on something with sorrow, and over time, evolved into its modern use, referring to both the emotion and the act of expressing sorrow or remorse.
Detailed Explanation
“Regret” is a complex emotional response that involves a sense of dissatisfaction or sorrow over something that has already happened. It can occur over actions that were taken, decisions made, or opportunities missed. People often experience regret when they believe that they could have made a better choice, leading to a sense of loss or disappointment. Regret can be both personal, such as regretting a relationship decision, and professional, such as regretting a career choice. It can lead to actions aimed at correcting mistakes, making amends, or simply learning from past experiences.
Example Sentences
- She regretted not studying harder for the exam.
- I regret telling him that secret; I should have kept it to myself.
- He expressed regret for his actions during the meeting.
- After the argument, they both felt deep regret about how things had escalated.
- I regret not taking the job offer when it was available.
- We regret to inform you that your application has not been accepted.
- I regret not visiting my grandparents more often.
- The manager regretted not taking action sooner to prevent the issue.
- They both regretted not making up before the long separation.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Remorse: A deep sense of regret, often with a desire to make up for past wrongs.
- Repentance: Sincere remorse for wrongdoing, typically accompanied by a desire to change.
- Sorrow: A deep feeling of sadness, often due to loss or disappointment.
- Contrition: A feeling of guilt and sorrow for having done something wrong, often leading to atonement.
- Disappointment: A feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction caused by something not meeting expectations.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Apology: An expression of regret or remorse for a wrong or mistake.
- Guilt: A feeling of responsibility for a wrongdoing, which can lead to regret.
- Forgiveness: The act of letting go of resentment or regret, often after wrongdoing.
- Atonement: Making amends for an action that caused regret or harm.
- Lament: An expression of grief or sorrow, often associated with regret over past actions.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Feel Regret: To experience a sense of sorrow or remorse over something that has happened.
- Regret Decision: To feel sorrow about a choice or decision made in the past.
- Regret Actions: To express sorrow or remorse for something one has done.
- Regret Opportunity: To feel disappointment or sorrow about a missed opportunity.
- Regret Not: A phrase often used to express the feeling of wishing one had done something differently.
Antonyms
- Satisfaction: The feeling of contentment or happiness with one’s choices or actions.
- Contentment: A state of being happy and satisfied with what one has or has done.
- Pride: A feeling of self-respect and satisfaction with one’s achievements.
- Happiness: A positive emotional state, often the opposite of regret.
- Complacency: A sense of satisfaction with the current situation, without any desire for change.
