I. ri-ˈgret verb
( re·gret·ted ; re·gret·ting )
Etymology: Middle English regretten, from Anglo-French regreter, from re- + -greter (perhaps of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse grāta to weep) — more at greet
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to mourn the loss or death of
b. : to miss very much
2. : to be very sorry for
regret s his mistakes
intransitive verb
: to experience regret
• re·gret·ter noun
II. noun
Date: 1590
1. : sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair
2.
a. : an expression of distressing emotion (as sorrow or disappointment)
b. plural : a note politely declining an invitation
Synonyms: see sorrow
• re·gret·ful -ˈgret-fəl adjective
• re·gret·ful·ness noun