verb
Uncommon
rue
roo
Rue (verb) means to bitterly regret something, especially a decision or action. Example: “She would rue the day she signed that contract.”
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."
"You may rue not saving money while you were young."
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."
"Rue has small yellow flowers and a sharp smell that many insects dislike."
"Herbalists once prescribed rue for headaches, though it is rarely used now."
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rue.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- rues
- Third person singular
- rues
- Past tense
- rued
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for rue
See all rhymes for 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.
