adjective

sorry

Translation

sorry, apologetic, pitying, regretful

I'm sorry for being late.

I feel sorry for him.

This is a sorry excuse for a meal.

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

sorry ((that ...)) to feel regret that (sth. happened) I'm sorry that I was rude.

sorry ((to-inf)) to apologize for (doing sth.) I'm sorry to be so late.

feel sorry ((for sb.)) to feel pity for (sb.) I feel sorry for the stray cat.

Synonyms: apologetic, regretful; Antonyms: glad, unapologetic

From Old English 'sārig' meaning pained or distressed, from 'sār' meaning sore.

Think of having a 'sore' heart when you feel 'sorry' for something.