What is regret? Pronunciation and usage in English

regret means . Learn how to pronounce and use regret through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of regret

regretverb

/rɪˈɡrɛt/
Definition & pronunciation of regret

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "regret" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic spelling and tips:

Phonetic Spelling (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/rɪˈɡrɛt/

Breakdown:

  • rɪ – This is a quick, unstressed “r” sound, almost like a “d” in some accents. It’s very short.
  • ˈɡrɛt – This is the stressed syllable. Let's break it down further:
    • ɡr – Pronounce this like the "g" in "go."
    • ɛt – This is a short “e” sound, like in “bed.”

How to Say it (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with a quick "d" sound: Say “d” quickly and lightly.
  2. Add the “r”: Blend the "d" sound with a very short “r” sound. (Think “dri-”)
  3. Say “greh”: Say “greh” with a ‘g’ sound as in “go”.
  4. Say “et”: Say “et” with a short ‘e’ sound as in “bed”.

Putting it together: "dri-greh-et"

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("rɛt"). This is crucial.
  • Short 'i' sound: Don’t pronounce it like “re-grit”. The first syllable is a quick "ri" sound.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. You can find examples on:

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Usage and examples with the word regret in English

Let's break down how to use the word "regret" in English. It's a nuanced word with several different meanings and ways to express it. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning: Feeling of Sorrow or Disappointment

  • Definition: At its most basic, "regret" means to feel sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened or been done, usually something you can’t change. It's about wishing you'd done things differently.

  • Examples:

    • "I regret not studying harder for the exam." (Wishing you'd studied more)
    • "She regretted telling him that secret." (Sorrow about revealing the secret)
    • "He regrets his decision to quit his job." (Disappointment with quitting)

2. Different Forms & Nuances

  • Regret (Noun): The feeling itself. "I have a deep regret for my actions."
  • Regrettable (Adjective): Describes something that is worthy of regret. "It was a regrettable mistake."
  • Regret to (phrase): Used in formal writing or announcements to signal that you’re delivering bad news. "I regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful." (More formal than "I regret...")
  • Regretful (Adjective): Describes someone or something that shows regret. "He was a regretful expression on his face."

3. Ways to Express Regret – Phrases and Intensifiers

  • "I wish I hadn’t..." - This strongly expresses regret. "I wish I hadn’t said that!"
  • "If only..." – Similar to “I wish,” indicating a longing for a different outcome. “If only I had listened to my instincts.”
  • "I deeply regret..." – Emphasizes the intensity of the regret.
  • "I bitterly regret..." – Indicates a strong, painful regret.
  • "It pains me to..." – Expresses sorrow and regret. “It pains me to see him suffer.”
  • "I lament..." – (More formal) - To feel or express sorrow or regret. "I lament the loss of our friendship."

4. Contextual Examples – Different Situations

  • Past Actions: "I regret arguing with my friend. We should have talked it out."
  • Missed Opportunities: “I regret not traveling more when I was younger.”
  • Mistakes: “He regretted breaking the vase – it was his grandmother's.”
  • Loss: “She regretted not spending more time with her father before he passed away.”
  • Social Situations: "I regret saying something rude at the party."

5. Important Note: Distinguishing from "Sorry"

  • "Sorry" is generally used for expressing sympathy for someone else’s misfortune or apologizing for a minor inconvenience.
  • "Regret" is specifically about your own past actions or choices and the feeling of wishing you had done something differently.

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word regret

Practice with vocabulary regret

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company issued a formal statement expressing deep __________ over the data breach and assured customers of improved security measures.
  2. After reviewing the project's financial projections, the board began to __________ their initial decision to invest heavily without a pilot phase.
  3. Despite receiving a clear warning, Sarah's team neglected to back up their files, leading to considerable __________ when the system crashed.
  4. I sincerely __________ for the oversight in the budget report; it was an unintentional error that has now been rectified.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words best describes the feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done, especially a loss or a missed opportunity? a) Jubilation b) Remorse c) Indifference d) Regret e) Elation

  2. If you __________ not taking that job offer, it means you now wish you had accepted it. a) anticipate b) ponder c) regret d) foresee e) rejoice

  3. The CEO expressed his profound __________ regarding the recent layoffs, acknowledging the difficult impact on the affected employees and their families. a) celebration b) contrition c) apology d) regret e) satisfaction

  4. After the company's unexpected bankruptcy, many stakeholders began to openly __________ the mismanagement that led to its downfall. a) applaud b) bemoan c) eulogize d) celebrate e) ignore

  5. Which word best describes the deep sorrow or distress caused by the loss of someone or something? a) Exhilaration b) Grief c) Cheerfulness d) Contentment e) Apathy

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was truly a pity that we couldn't finalize the merger due to unforeseen circumstances. Rewrite using "regret" or a related word form:

  2. I feel bad about not attending the crucial negotiation meeting yesterday. Rewrite using "regret" or a related word form:

  3. The professor constantly complained about the lack of critical thinking skills among her first-year students. Rewrite without using "regret", but use a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company issued a formal statement expressing deep regret over the data breach and assured customers of improved security measures.
  2. After reviewing the project's financial projections, the board began to regret their initial decision to invest heavily without a pilot phase.
  3. Despite receiving a clear warning, Sarah's team neglected to back up their files, leading to considerable frustration when the system crashed.
  4. I sincerely apologize for the oversight in the budget report; it was an unintentional error that has now been rectified.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Remorse, d) Regret
  2. c) regret
  3. b) contrition, c) apology, d) regret
  4. b) bemoan
  5. b) Grief

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We deeply regret that we couldn't finalize the merger due to unforeseen circumstances.
  2. I regret not attending the crucial negotiation meeting yesterday.
  3. The professor constantly lamented the lack of critical thinking skills among her first-year students.

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