regret
Translation
to regret, to be sorry about
Examples
I regret telling him my secret.
I regret telling him my secret.
We regret to inform you of the delay.
We regret to inform you of the delay.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to feel sad or disappointed about (sth.) I regret my decision.
((-ing)) to regret doing (sth.) I regret telling him my secret.
((to-inf)) to be sorry to say (sth.) (formal) We regret to inform you of the delay.
Similar Words
Synonyms: lament, be sorry about, rue; Antonyms: welcome, be happy about
Etymology
From Old French 'regrater' (to lament). 're-' (intensive prefix) + Old Frankish '*gratan' (to weep).
Memory Tips
Think of 're-gret' as 'greeting' a past mistake again with sadness.