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regret

re·gret

regret

 
 
pronunciation:
rih gret
parts of speech:
transitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: regrets, regretting, regretted
definition 1: to feel sorrow or remorse for (something committed).
He regretted the mistakes he made as a parent.It did not appear that the prisoner regretted his crime.As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I regretted saying them.[verb + gerund ]
synonyms:
lament, repent, repent of, rue
similar words:
bemoan, bewail, deplore
definition 2: to lament (not having done something).
He regretted that he never repaired his relationship with his brother, and now it was too late.[verb + (that) + clause ] She always regretted not finishing high school.[verb + gerund ] You'll regret it if you don't at least enter the contest.[verb + it + when + clause ]
definition 3: to grieve or mourn for.
She regretted the loss of her youth.The old pastor died last year, and he is much regretted.
synonyms:
bemoan, bewail, grieve for, lament
similar words:
mourn
definition 4: to be sorry.
I regret that we are not able to hire you at this time.[verb + (that) + clause ] We regret to inform you that your application has been denied.[verb + infinitive ]
synonyms:
lament, rue
similar words:
deplore
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: a feeling of loss or failure in relation to something or someone.
She hated the life she had chosen, and she was filled with regret.I have few regrets except for the fact I never traveled much.His one regret was that he hadn't asked her to marry him when he'd had the chance.
synonyms:
grief, mourning
similar words:
rue
definition 2: a feeling of sorrow or remorse about one's conduct.
His actions had hurt others, but he felt no regret.
synonyms:
contrition, guilt, remorse, repentance
similar words:
compunction, rue, shame
definition 3: (pl.) a polite refusal of an invitation.
Give the hostess my regrets.
synonyms:
apologies
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derivations: regrettable (adj.), regrettably (adv.)
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See
  emotion, sadness