adjective

sorry

Translation

apologetic, regretful, pitiful

I'm sorry for being late.

I feel sorry for him.

He was in a sorry state.

sorry ((for sth./-ing)) to feel regret for something I'm sorry for the noise.

sorry ((about sth.)) to feel regret about a situation I'm sorry about your exam results.

sorry ((for sb.)) to feel pity or sympathy for someone I feel sorry for people who have no home.

sorry ((to-inf)) to regret having to do something I'm sorry to hear that you're leaving.

Synonyms: apologetic, regretful, remorseful; Antonyms: unapologetic, proud

From Old English 'sārig' (pained, distressed), from 'sār' (sore, pain).

Imagine feeling 'sore' in your heart when you need to apologize for a mistake.