説明中心

regret

[rɪˈɡret]

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

Antonyms for regret

Idioms Using regret

  • too late for regrets

    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.

  • to have a reason to feel remorse or sadness about a past action or decision

    Example

    He has cause for regret after losing his temper and saying hurtful things.

  • regret one's words

    to feel remorse or sadness about something one has said

    Example

    She regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth.

Phrases with regret

  • to continue to feel remorse or sadness about a past action or decision

    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.

How do native speakers use this expression?