— ruefully , adv. — ruefulness , n.
/rooh"feuhl/ , adj.
1. causing sorrow or pity; pitiable; deplorable: a rueful plight.
2. feeling, showing, or expressing sorrow or pity; mournful; doleful: the rueful look on her face.
[ 1175-1225; ME reowful. See RUE 1 , -FUL ]