regret
regret — noun
1. a sad feeling that comes when you realize something bad has happened, you have m
a sad feeling that comes when you realize something bad has happened, you have made a mistake, or things could have been better — often with a wish to undo what was done
Talia felt deep regret after shouting at her younger brother.
collocation: deep regret
A strong sense of regret filled Ignacio when he missed the chance to study abroad.
The committee expressed its regret over the cancellation of the festival.
Selling her grandmother's necklace was a decision full of regret.
With great regret, the director announced the closure of the children's hospital wing.
- remorse
stronger; implies guilt for a specific wrong you have done
- sorrow
more general sadness; not necessarily tied to a personal mistake
- contrition
formal and often religious; focused on repentance
- satisfaction
a feeling of being pleased with what happened
- contentment
a peaceful feeling that things are as they should be
用法筆記
Often modified by adjectives that signal how strong the feeling is: 'deep regret', 'great regret', 'bitter regret'. This sense is also used in set phrases such as 'much to my regret' and 'with deep regret'.
常見錯誤
2. a polite message sent to someone who has invited you, saying that you cannot att
a polite message sent to someone who has invited you, saying that you cannot attend
Helen sent her regrets to the wedding invitation because she was travelling that weekend.
fixed phrase: send (one's) regrets
Those who cannot attend the meeting should give their regrets by Friday.
fixed phrase: give (one's) regrets
Faisal received polite regrets from several colleagues who had other plans.
Mira wrote a brief note of regret to the conference organisers.
- refusal
more direct and less polite than 'regrets'
- declination
very formal, but rare in everyday use
- acceptance
agreeing to attend
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed expressions 'give your regrets' or 'send your regrets'. The singular form 'regret' is not used in this sense; it is always 'regrets'. Typical in written invitations, formal correspondence, and RSVP contexts.
常見錯誤
regret — verb
1. to feel sorry that something happened or that you did something, especially beca
to feel sorry that something happened or that you did something, especially because it was a mistake or because it caused harm — for example, regretting a sharp comment you made to a friend, or regretting that you chose the wrong career path
Rachid immediately regretted his harsh words to the new intern.
regret + noun phrase (object is something said or done)
Anong regrets not learning to play the piano when she was younger.
regret + -ing (for past inaction)
The school board now regrets that it cut funding for the music programme.
We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful.
Lisa regretted taking on more work than she could handle.
文法句型
regret + noun phrase
regret + -ing form
regret + that-clause
regret + to-infinitive (formal, in fixed phrases)
用法筆記
Two important patterns: (1) 'regret + -ing' refers to a completed action you wish you had not done — 'I regret leaving my job.' (2) 'regret to + infinitive' is a fixed formal expression used when giving bad news — 'We regret to announce that the flight is cancelled.' Do not use 'regret to + infinitive' for personal regrets about past actions.
常見錯誤
2. to feel sad because someone or something is no longer part of your life — for ex
to feel sad because someone or something is no longer part of your life — for example, regretting a friend who has moved away, or regretting the cheerful mornings you used to have
Sora regretted the quiet streets of his old hometown after moving to the noisy city.
The team deeply regretted the loss of their coach after she retired.
collocation: deeply regret; regret the loss of someone
Élise regretted the warm afternoons she used to spend in her grandmother's garden.
Old Mr Chen regretted the lively conversations he once had with his neighbours.
- welcome
to be pleased about a new situation or arrival
文法句型
regret + someone
regret + something
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with 'miss', but 'regret' is more formal and literary. 'Miss' is the everyday word for this feeling. 'Regret' in this sense often carries a tone of wistfulness or nostalgia rather than guilt.