What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rueful
Example
He gave a rueful smile when he realized he had missed his flight. [rueful: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a rueful tone about the lost opportunity. [rueful: adjective]
remorseful
Example
He was remorseful for his behavior towards his friend. [remorseful: adjective]
Example
She apologized in a remorseful manner for her mistake. [remorseful: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Remorseful is more commonly used than rueful in everyday language, as it is a stronger emotion that is more likely to be expressed. Rueful is less common and is typically used in more literary or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rueful and remorseful?
Both rueful and remorseful are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, remorseful is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as apologies or legal proceedings, where a stronger sense of guilt or wrongdoing is required.
