sorry

[ˈsɒri]

sorry Definition

  • 1feeling regret, sympathy, or sadness about something that has happened or been done
  • 2used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat something that one has not heard or understood clearly

Using sorry: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sorry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I'm sorry for your loss.

  • Example

    I'm sorry, could you please repeat that?

  • Example

    I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling unwell.

  • Example

    I'm sorry I can't make it to the party.

sorry Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for sorry

Idioms Using sorry

  • something that is unpleasant or disappointing to look at

    Example

    The abandoned house was a sorry sight.

  • indulge in self-pity or self-indulgence

    Example

    She spent the whole day feeling sorry for herself after failing the exam.

  • used to introduce bad or unwelcome news

    Example

    Sorry to say, but the concert has been cancelled.

Phrases with sorry

  • feel regret or sadness about something that one has done or failed to do

    Example

    He was sorry for the way he had treated her.

  • express regret or apology for something that one has done wrong

    Example

    He said sorry for being late.

  • a situation characterized by disorder, confusion, or mismanagement

    Example

    The company was in a sorry state of affairs when the new CEO took over.

Origins of sorry

from Old English 'sarig', meaning 'distressed, grieved'

📌

Summary: sorry in Brief

The term 'sorry' [ˈsɒri] refers to a feeling of regret, sympathy, or sadness about something that has happened or been done. It is also used as a polite way of asking someone to repeat something that one has not heard or understood clearly. The phrase 'be sorry for' denotes feeling regret or sadness about something one has done or failed to do, while 'sorry state of affairs' describes a situation characterized by disorder or mismanagement.

How do native speakers use this expression?