rueful — expressing sorrow or regret, especially when also showing slight amusement
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: expressing sorrow or regret, especially when also showing slight amusement
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈruːfəl/
Example Sentences
- Tom gave a rueful grin after realizing he had been wearing his shirt inside out all day.
- With a rueful sigh, she looked at her empty wallet after the shopping spree.
- His rueful confession about eating the last piece of cake made everyone laugh.
rueful
ADJECTIVE[/ˈruːfəl/]
expressing sorrow or regret, especially when also showing slight amusement
He gave a rueful smile after spilling coffee on his own laptop.
A rueful grandfather stays truthful with his youthful grandson!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'hreow' meaning sorrow or regret, which became 'rue' (to regret) in Middle English. The suffix '-ful' was added to create 'rueful,' literally meaning 'full of regret.'
Breakdown
rue (to regret, from Old English 'hreow') + -ful (full of, characterized by)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Tom gave a rueful grin after realizing he had been wearing his shirt inside out all day.”
“With a rueful sigh, she looked at her empty wallet after the shopping spree.”
“His rueful confession about eating the last piece of cake made everyone laugh.”
“She shook her head with rueful amusement at her own clumsiness.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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