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regretfully

regretfully

13 3.8
Saying something while feeling sorry, often when you tell bad news
  • adverb
  • /rɪˈɡrɛtfəli/
  • Formal
translation icon : con pesar
  • Regretfully, I must inform you that your application has been denied.

And regretfully I didn't do that.

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Examples

  • Regretfully, I can no longer remain in your service.

  • Regretfully, we had to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

  • - Regretfully, we lost him last month.

  • But: "Well," she said regretfully, "I do have a family."

    Fiction book (1995)
  • "I guess I ought to get the rest of my stuff," he said regretfully.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Regretfully, my father has moved on to a better place.

  • And as much as your invitation might appeal to me... I must regretfully decline.

  • At salary time, Prince regretfully tells Louis that his teaching performance was among the department's worst.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Meyer, I appreciate the offer, but, regretfully, I have to pass.

  • Regretfully, you will have heard that my contract with the FA has been terminated by mutual consent.

Synonyms

sadly
vsregretfully
53 1.0

In an unhappy way because you feel upset

is a more polite formal expression of being sorry rather than plain unhappiness
unhappily
vsregretfully
15 1.3

In a sad or regretful way

is a polite expression of being sorry rather than describing an unfortunate event
ruefully
vsregretfully
11 6.9

In a way that shows you feel sorry about something you did

is a formal polite way to show sorrow rather than wry pity
sheepishly
vsregretfully
11 5.1

In a shy, embarrassed way after doing something wrong or silly

is a polite sorrow expression used in speech rather than mild awkwardness
tearfully
vsregretfully
9 3.2

With tears to show that someone feels sad

is often a composed polite expression of being sorry without visible crying or sobbing
apologetically
vsregretfully
8 3.9

In a way that shows you are sorry

is a polite expression of sorrow without directly admitting fault or seeking forgiveness
guiltily
vsregretfully
5 3.7

In a way that shows you feel you did something wrong

is a polite sorrowful form used outwardly rather than an inward feeling of responsibility
mournfully
vsregretfully
4 4.7

In a sad way that shows grief

is mainly a polite formal sorrow expression not necessarily linked to loss
somberly
vsregretfully
  • US
3 5.5

In a serious and sad way

is a polite sorrowful formula used in speech rather than general solemnity
sorrowfully
vsregretfully
1 4.6

In a sad way that shows a person is sorry

is used politely or formally to express being sorry without strong emotion
contritely
vsregretfully
1 7.9

In a way that shows you feel sorry and guilty for what you did

is a polite expression of sorrow rather than a genuine sincere guilt response
dolefully
vsregretfully
1 7.2

In a sad way that shows you are unhappy

is used more in polite formal remarks rather than slow mournful expression
remorsefully
vsregretfully
1 5.8

Showing that you feel very sorry for something wrong you did

is a more general polite sorrow not necessarily deep guilt after wrongdoing
shamefacedly
vsregretfully
1 7.9

In a shy, embarrassed way

is a socially polite expression of being sorry rather than personal embarrassment
ashamedly
vsregretfully
1 6.8

In a way that shows you feel shame

is a formal polite expression of being sorry rather than private embarrassed feeling
repentantly
vsregretfully
7.7

In a way that shows regret for doing something wrong

is used to express polite sorrow but does not imply change or reform
sighingly
vsregretfully
8.1

In a way that shows you breathe out slowly because you feel sad or disappointed

is a verbal formal expression of being sorry rather than a quiet audible exhale
dolorously
vsregretfully
  • Literature
9.9

In a very sad way

is a polite or formal way to show sorrow without intense mourning or distress

Antonyms

279 1.0

Do something in a cheerful way

34 1.0

In a happy, friendly way that shows you want to help

How Regretful

contritely
1 7.9
remorsefully
1 5.8
regretfully
  • Formal
13 3.8
sadly
53 1.0

Surface Forms

regretfully positive
regretfullyer comparative
regretfullyest superlative

Morphology

regretfully = regretful (transparent) = regret + ful + ly

The adjective 'regretful' is clearly formed from 'regret' + the productive suffix '-ful' meaning 'full of', so adding '-ly' yields an adverb meaning 'in a regretful manner'.

Etymology

The word regretfully comes from regret + -ful ('full of') + -ly ('in a ... way'). Regret means 'to feel sorry' and is like the simple word grief, so regretfully means doing something 'with sorrow' or 'with regret'.