regret Definition
a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.
Using regret: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "regret" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I regret not going to college.
Example
She regrets saying those hurtful things.
Example
He regrets not spending more time with his family.
Example
They regretted their decision to invest in the company.
regret Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for regret
Antonyms for regret
Idioms Using regret
used to express that it is too late to change a past action or decision and feel remorse about it
Example
You should have studied harder for the exam. It's too late for regrets now.
Example
He has cause for regret after losing his temper and saying hurtful things.
Example
She regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth.
Phrases with regret
Example
She will have to live with regret for the rest of her life.
no regrets
a phrase used to express that one has no remorse or sadness about a past action or decision
Example
I decided to quit my job and travel the world, and I have no regrets.
used to describe an action or decision that is unfortunate or unpleasant but required for a particular purpose
Example
The layoffs were regrettable but necessary to keep the company afloat.
Origins of regret
from Old French 'regreter', meaning 'bewail (the dead), feel sad, repent'
Summary: regret in Brief
The term 'regret' [rɪˈɡret] refers to a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from missed opportunities to poor decisions. Phrases like 'live with regret' and 'no regrets' capture the emotional weight of the term, while idioms like 'too late for regrets' and 'regret one's words' highlight specific contexts where regret is felt.
