rue
5 synonyms for rue, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To bitterly regret something, especially a decision or action.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
lament
ruefulness
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To bitterly regret something, especially a decision or action.
“She would rue the day she signed that contract.”
How to use rue
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rue the day
live to rue
rue a decision
Etymology
From Old English hreow, "sorrow or regret" — the herb sense comes from a separate, unrelated Latin word, ruta.
Full origin of rue →Frequently asked questions
What does “rue” mean?
The word “rue” means to bitterly regret something, especially a decision or action. In plain terms, to deeply regret something, usually with the sense that the consequences are still being felt.
How do you pronounce “rue”?
“Rue” is pronounced roo (/ɹuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “rue” in a sentence?
Here is “rue” used in a sentence: “She would rue the day she signed that contract.”
What part of speech is “rue”?
Depending on how it is used, “rue” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “rue” come from?
The word “rue” comes from Latin. From Old English hreow, "sorrow or regret" — the herb sense comes from a separate, unrelated Latin word, ruta.
Is “rue” a common word?
“Rue” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “rue” have?
“Rue” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bitterly regret something, especially a decision or action.
What is the difference between rue and regret?
Rue and regret both express bitter sorrow over a past decision or action, but rue often carries a slightly more literary or formal tone, as in phrases like you will rue the day. Regret is the more common, everyday word for the same feeling.
Is rue used more in formal or everyday speech?
Rue tends to appear in more formal, literary, or dramatic contexts rather than casual conversation, often in fixed expressions like live to rue it or rue the day. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say regret.
What is the herb rue used for?
Rue is an old-fashioned bitter-tasting herb that was once used in traditional medicine. It is less commonly used today than many other herbs, and its bitter flavor makes it distinct from culinary herbs used for cooking.
