remorse
Remorse (noun) means a deep feeling of guilt or regret for having done something wrong. Example: “He showed no remorse for the harm he had caused.”
How to use remorse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strong sense of guilt for something you've done, often lasting after the fact.
Remorse is about guilt over your own actions; "regret" is broader and can apply to things outside your control too.
Word forms
remorsed past tense, remorses plural, remorses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He showed no _____ for the harm he had caused.
Etymology
From Old French remors, from Medieval Latin remorsus, from Latin remordere ("to bite back") — the idea of guilt "biting" at your conscience.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for remorse
See all rhymes for remorse →Frequently asked questions
What does “remorse” mean?
The word “remorse” means a deep feeling of guilt or regret for having done something wrong. In plain terms, a strong sense of guilt for something you've done, often lasting after the fact.
How do you pronounce “remorse”?
“Remorse” is pronounced rih-MAWS (/ɹɪˈmɔɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “remorse” in a sentence?
Here is “remorse” used in a sentence: “He showed no remorse for the harm he had caused.”
What is another word for “remorse”?
Words with a similar meaning to “remorse” include agenbite, rue, ruth, compunction, contrition and guilt.
What is the opposite of “remorse”?
The opposite of “remorse” — its antonyms — are apathy, irrepentance, nonrepentance, unremorsefulness and unrepentance.
What part of speech is “remorse”?
“Remorse” is a noun.
Where does the word “remorse” come from?
The word “remorse” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French remors, from Medieval Latin remorsus, from Latin remordere ("to bite back") — the idea of guilt "biting" at your conscience.
Is “remorse” a common word?
“Remorse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.