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regret

Definition

  • noun: sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair
  • verb: to feel sad or sorry about (something that you did or did not do)
  • verb: to mourn the loss or death of
  • used formally and in writing to express sad feelings about something that is disappointing or unpleasant
  • synonyms: abject apology, acknowledgment, affliction

Examples

  • If you don't travel now, you might 'live to regret it'. [=you might feel sorry or disappointed about it in the future]

  • We 'regret' to inform you [=we are sorry to tell you] that we have offered the job to someone else.

  • It is to be 'regretted' [=it is regrettable/unfortunate] that the program has lost its funding.

Movie quotes

  • (..) there's no love in you. Because if there is... just a little bit of love in there for me... I think that in a few minutes you'll regret you never said anything. I love you, Leon. I win. I took a hit. I need a hand now. I know she's young, (..)
    1994 Léon: The Professional