I. rə̇ˈgret, rēˈ-, usu -ed.+V verb
( regretted ; regretted ; regretting ; regrets )
Etymology: Middle English regretten, from Middle French regreter, regrater, from Old French, from re- + -greter, -grater (of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse grāta to weep) — more at greet
transitive verb
1. : to remember with sorrow or grief : mourn the loss or death of : miss poignantly
that fair lady whom thou dost regret — P.B.Shelley
2. : to have dissatisfaction, misgivings, or distress of mind concerning : be keenly sorry for
regret one's mistakes
regret my inability to be present
intransitive verb
: to experience regret
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from Old French, lamentation, from regreter, regrater, v.
1. : sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair : grief or pain tinged with disappointment, dissatisfaction, longing, remorse, or comparable emotion
a scene that awakens regret
keen regret for past deeds
2.
a. : an expression of sorrow, disappointment, or other distressing emotion
weary him with vain regrets
b. regrets plural : a reply politely declining an invitation
send regrets
Synonyms: see sorrow