What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
regretting
Example
I regret not studying harder for the exam. [regret: verb]
Example
She was filled with regret after quitting her job without having another one lined up. [regret: noun]
rue
Example
He began to rue his decision to quit his job without having another one lined up. [rue: verb]
Example
She felt a deep sense of rue for not speaking up when she had the chance. [rue: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Regretting is more common in everyday language than rue. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and levels of formality.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between regretting and rue?
Rue is considered more formal than regretting. It is a less common word that may be more appropriate in formal writing or speech.