verb
rue
roo
verb
1
To bitterly regret something, especially a decision or action.
"She would rue the day she signed that contract."
"He rued ignoring his doctor's advice."
noun
1
An old-fashioned bitter-tasting herb once used in traditional medicine.
"The garden had a small patch of rue growing near the wall."
How to Use Rue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo deeply regret something, usually with the sense that the consequences are still being felt.
Memory tip
Mostly seen today in the set phrase "live to rue" or "rue the day."
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
rue the day
live to rue
rue a decision
Word Forms
rued past tense, rues plural, Rues plural, rues singular
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She would _____ the day she signed that contract.
Etymology
From Old English hreow, "sorrow or regret" — the herb sense comes from a separate, unrelated Latin word, ruta.