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sorry vs regretful

The phrases 'sorry' and 'regretful' are not directly comparable as they have different meanings and uses. 'Sorry' is used to express an apology or sympathy, while 'regretful' is used to describe a feeling of sorrow or disappointment. Both are correct in their respective contexts.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 887 views

sorry

The word 'sorry' is a common and correct way to express an apology or sympathy in English.

Use 'sorry' when you want to apologize for something or express sympathy for someone's situation.

Examples:

I'm sorry for being late.
I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

Show examples from the web [+]

Some things are so bad... saying sorry just isn't enough.
Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.
I'm tired of hearing sorry.
All right, sorry, sorry, sorry.
Sorry, sorry, sorry... straight.
Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry I'm late.
Right. Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.
Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. It's on turtle.
No, sorry, sorry, look.
Charlie, Charlie, sorry sorry sorry.
Again, really sorry about that.
Tell Shondor sorry I was light last month.
Please remember how sorry I am.
Terribly sorry this happened, sir.
A serious way of saying sorry.
Your sorry means nothing to me.
Anyway, sorry, not tonight.
Mr. Esterbrook sorry to interrupt.
Amberson... sorry about your girl.
I am really sorry about Tommy.

Alternatives:

apologies
excuse me
I apologize
my apologies
I regret

regretful

The word 'regretful' is correct when you want to describe a feeling of sorrow or disappointment.

Use 'regretful' to express a sense of sorrow or disappointment about a situation or action.

Examples:

She felt regretful about missing the opportunity.
He was regretful for his harsh words.

Show examples from the web [+]

Deep down in my heart I felt a bit regretful, is it that I've left for too long or that I came back here in haste?
It's really regretful but in any case...
But it will also be your most regretful decision.
I've been feeling regretful about something I said.
It is regretful, what happened to Varro.
A somewhat regretful glint, though, after a night of jell-o shots and shrooms.
Concerning security measures taken during ground and sea transport of radioactive and nuclear materials, it is regretful that no Community legislation exists in this field.
Christ, protect these regretful sinners... and make them as your bride, in your name.
It is very regretful that this did not happen.
I find it extremely regretful that over the past long decades Parliament has not managed to solve satisfactorily, at its own proposal, this important issue and the status of its Members.
But... why doesn't your expression show you're regretful?
Anyone should have the right work anywhere in the European Union and it is regretful that this right is not applied uniformly across the EU.
Don't feel regretful or guilty about the past, or worry about the future.
Are we going to persist with this issue, or are we going to lay it aside with a regretful sigh while the power of those who own the rights and jealously maintain them is extended, and while the audio-visual artists remain confined in the shadows?
But first I want to say that the intensity and persistence with which we experience these emotional components of regret is obviously going to vary depending on the specific thing that we're feeling regretful about.
It is really regretful that the 4x4s have been exempted via the backdoor and that the manufacturers of what people refer to as SUVs (sport utility vehicles) have been given more time to conform.
I will, for the rest of my life, live with a regretful heart.
I feel regretful letting this chance to acquire knowledge regarding the North's nuclear weapon development pass by.
Doesn't mean I wasn't regretful about it.
What did occur to me, however, even as a new Member, was that the original proposals have been toned down quite considerably and that he is actually deeply regretful, despite what has been achieved.

Alternatives:

remorseful
apologetic
contrite
penitent
repentant

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