WordGarden.ioregretful
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪɡrˈɛtfəl/
US
- /rɪˈɡrɛtfəl/
Meanings
Adjective
feeling sorry about something you did or failed to do
Beyond the definition
To be regretful is to feel sad and sorry about something you did, or something you failed to do. It is more than just saying sorry; it carries the feeling that you wish the past had gone differently. Imagine a sailor who, years after leaving port, feels regretful about not spending more time with his family before starting a long voyage. Or think of a student who looks back on a missed chance to ask an important question in class and feels regretful for staying silent. This feeling often comes with a sense that something valuable was lost.
The feeling can be quiet and private, like a lingering shadow, or stronger, leading to heartfelt apologies. You might be regretful, feel regretful, or speak in a regretful way. It is a deeply human emotion, closely tied to our choices and their lasting results.
Regretful describes a state of feeling sorrow, remorse, or disappointment over an event that has passed—or an opportunity that was missed. It is a complex emotion that transcends simple sadness; it involves the conscious acknowledgment of a past action or inaction and the painful desire for a different reality. Picture an old lighthouse keeper gazing out at a stormy sea, perhaps feeling regretful that he didn't heed the early warnings of the approaching gale. The weight of "what could have been" is the heart of this feeling.
The word is versatile in its application: you might be regretful, describing a persistent emotional state ("She remained regretful for weeks after the argument"); feel regretful, emphasizing a sudden pang of conscience ("He felt instantly regretful the moment the harsh words left his lips"); or adopt a regretful tone to communicate sorrow to others ("She gave a regretful sigh as she declined the invitation").
Regret is not always reserved for life-altering events. It can stem from the smallest choices—a kindness not offered, a word spoken in haste, or a path not taken. Sometimes, being regretful can shape a person's future. A person may spend years looking back on a single decision, wondering how life might have changed if they had chosen differently.
While dwelling on the past can be difficult, being regretful is often a necessary catalyst for growth. It serves as a poignant reminder that our choices have consequences, and that acknowledging our disappointments can help us strive for better decisions in the future. To see someone who is regretful is to witness a person carrying the weight of past possibilities—a blend of longing, sadness, and often, a quiet hope for a second chance.
Examples
- 1
Emotional reaction
She looked regretful after she snapped at her brother.
- 2
Missed event
I'm regretful about missing your graduation.
- Patternregretful about + noun/-ing form
common for a past action or event
- 3
Facial expression
He gave me a regretful smile and said he couldn't stay.
- 4
Past decision
Years later, she was still regretful that she had turned down the job in Paris.
- Patternregretful that + clause
used for a whole past situation
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- regretful look
- regretful tone
- regretful about
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- regretfuladjective