rue

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.

“Rue” is pronounced roo (/ɹuː/ in IPA).

Here is “rue” used in a sentence: “She would rue the day she signed that contract.”

Depending on how it is used, “rue” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “rue” comes from Latin. From Old English hreow, "sorrow or regret" — the herb sense comes from a separate, unrelated Latin word, ruta.

“Rue” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Rue” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bitterly regret something, especially a decision or action.

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.

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.

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.