regret
8 synonyms and 4 antonyms for regret, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To feel sorry about something that happened, or wish it had gone differently.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To feel sorry about something that happened, or wish it had gone differently.
“He deeply regretted saying those words in anger.”
Opposites
How to use regret
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
regret a decision
no regrets
live to regret
send regrets
Etymology
From Old French regreter, "to lament, mourn," probably ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to weep."
Full origin of regret →Frequently asked questions
What does “regret” mean?
The word “regret” means to feel sorry about something that happened, or wish it had gone differently. In plain terms, to feel bad about something you did or didn't do, wishing it had been different.
How do you pronounce “regret”?
“Regret” is pronounced rih-GREHT (/ɹɪˈɡɹɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “regret” in a sentence?
Here is “regret” used in a sentence: “He deeply regretted saying those words in anger.”
What part of speech is “regret”?
Depending on how it is used, “regret” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “regret” come from?
The word “regret” comes from Old French. From Old French regreter, "to lament, mourn," probably ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to weep.".
Is “regret” a common word?
“Regret” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “regret” have?
“Regret” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to feel sorry about something that happened, or wish it had gone differently.
What is the difference between regret and remorse?
Regret is a feeling of sadness or disappointment about something in the past, and it can apply to anything from a missed holiday to a poor decision. Remorse is stronger and more specific: deep guilt over a wrong you committed, usually one that harmed someone else.
Is it "regret doing" or "regret to do"?
Use regret + -ing for something that has already happened: "I regret saying that." Regret + to is used in formal announcements of bad news being delivered now: "We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful."
What is the difference between regret and repent?
To regret is to feel sorry about something and wish it had gone differently. To repent is to feel such sorrow for wrongdoing that you resolve to change, and the word carries strong moral or religious overtones that "regret" lacks.
