Regretful vs. Sorry — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Regretful highlights a feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done, while sorry emphasizes sorrow, especially for a fault or offense.
Difference Between Regretful and Sorry
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Regretful conveys a deeper sense of remorse or missed opportunities, often related to one's own actions or decisions, whereas sorry is a broader expression of apology or sympathy, used in both personal accountability and expressing condolences.
Regretful often involves reflection and a wish that things had been different, highlighting missed opportunities or wrong choices. Sorry, on the other hand, is used to express empathy, seek forgiveness, or show understanding, regardless of personal responsibility.
Regretful is typically felt over a longer period and may not seek forgiveness, focusing more on the internal feelings of the individual. In contrast, sorry actively seeks to mend or address an issue or discomfort caused, showing immediate concern for the feelings of others.
The term "regretful" is often associated with a personal, internal experience, whereas "sorry" is frequently used in interpersonal communications to express apologies or condolences.
Regretful implies a lingering sentiment that might affect future decisions or perspectives, while sorry can be a momentary expression intended to soothe or rectify a situation quickly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Emotion
Deep sadness or disappointment over actions or missed opportunities
Expression of apology, sympathy, or empathy
Context
Often related to personal decisions or actions
Used in apologies, expressing condolences, or showing empathy
Time Perspective
Long-term reflection on past actions
Immediate response to an action or situation
Focus
Internal feelings and personal reflection
Addressing or soothing the feelings of others
Intent
May not seek forgiveness, focuses on personal regret
Seeks to mend, apologize, or express sympathy
Compare with Definitions
Regretful
Feeling sad or disappointed over something that has happened or been done.
After missing the final exam, she was deeply regretful.
Sorry
Expressing sorrow, apology, or pity.
She was sorry for arriving late to the meeting.
Regretful
Wishing circumstances or actions had been different.
She was regretful that she hadn't visited her grandmother more often.
Sorry
Regretting any inconvenience or harm caused.
He immediately said he was sorry for stepping on her foot.
Regretful
A sense of remorse for missed opportunities.
He was regretful for not taking the job offer.
Sorry
Feeling sorrow or remorse.
She felt sorry for the harsh words she had spoken.
Regretful
Reflecting on past actions with sorrow.
The team was regretful about their poor performance.
Sorry
Used to ask for forgiveness or express condolences.
They sent a sorry note along with flowers.
Regretful
A state of lamenting or grieving over a loss or mistake.
He was regretful after the argument, wishing he had chosen his words more carefully.
Sorry
Conveying empathy or understanding.
He was sorry to hear about her loss and offered his support.
Regretful
Full of regret; sorrowful or sorry.
Sorry
Feeling or expressing sorrow
We're sorry to hear that you're leaving so soon.
Regretful
Full of feelings of regret, indulging in regrets.
Sorry
Feeling or expressing sympathy or pity
She felt sorry for the rain-soaked cat.
Regretful
Sorrowful about what has been lost or done.
Sorry
Feeling or expressing regret, especially for a misdeed or mistake
He said he was sorry for breaking the window. I'm sorry I yelled at you.
Regretful
Full of regret; indulging in regrets; repining.
Sorry
Worthless or inferior; paltry
A sorry excuse.
Regretful
Having regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone;
Felt regretful over his vanished youth
Regretful over mistakes she had made
Sorry
Causing sorrow, grief, or misfortune; grievous
A sorry development.
Sorry
Used to express apology.
Sorry
Used to express interrogation, especially as a request for a person to say something again.
Sorry
(of a person) Regretful or apologetic for one's actions.
I am sorry I stepped on your toes. It was an accident.
Sorry
(of a person) Grieved or saddened, especially by the loss of something or someone.
I am sorry for your loss.
The President was sorry to hear that the Ambassador was leaving.
Sorry
Poor, pitifully sad or regrettable.
The storm left his garden in a sorry state.
Sorry
Pathetic; contemptibly inadequate.
Bob is a sorry excuse for a football player.
Sorry
The act of saying sorry; an apology.
Sorry
Grieved for the loss of some good; pained for some evil; feeling regret; - now generally used to express light grief or affliction, but formerly often used to express deeper feeling.
Ye were made sorry after a godly manner.
I am sorry for thee, friend; 't is the duke's pleasure.
She entered, were he lief or sorry.
Sorry
Melancholy; dismal; gloomy; mournful.
All full of chirking was this sorry place.
Sorry
Poor; mean; worthless; as, a sorry excuse.
Cheeks of sorry grain will serve.
Good fruit will sometimes grow on a sorry tree.
Sorry
Keenly sorry or regretful;
Felt bad about letting the team down
Was sorry that she had treated him so badly
Felt bad about breaking the vase
Sorry
Feeling or expressing sorrow or pity;
A pitying observer threw his coat around her shoulders
Let him perish without a pitying thought of ours wasted upon him
Sorry
Having regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone;
Felt regretful over his vanished youth
Regretful over mistakes she had made
Sorry
Feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
Sorry
Bad; unfortunate;
My finances were in a deplorable state
A lamentable decision
Her clothes were in sad shape
A sorry state of affairs
Sorry
Without merit;
A sorry horse
A sorry excuse
A lazy no-count, good-for-nothing goldbrick
The car was a no-good piece of junk
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to feel regretful?
Feeling regretful means experiencing sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done, especially concerning one's actions or decisions.
How is being sorry different from being regretful?
Being sorry involves expressing sorrow, apologies, or empathy, often related to a fault or offense, whereas being regretful is more about feeling deep sadness or disappointment over past actions or missed opportunities.
Does regret always lead to feeling sorry?
Regret does not always lead to feeling sorry, as it can be a personal feeling of disappointment that does not necessarily involve another party or the need for an apology.
Is regretful a stronger feeling than sorry?
Regretful can be considered a stronger feeling because it involves a deeper sense of remorse and reflection on past actions, while sorry can be used more broadly for immediate expressions of apology or empathy.
How do you express regretfulness?
Expressing regretfulness involves acknowledging and reflecting on past mistakes or missed opportunities and conveying a genuine sense of sadness or disappointment.
When is it appropriate to say sorry?
It is appropriate to say sorry when seeking forgiveness, expressing sympathy, or acknowledging an inconvenience or hurt caused to someone.
How does culture influence expressions of regret and sorrow?
Culture influences expressions of regret and sorrow by shaping how openly individuals express their feelings, the rituals or words used to apologize, and the importance placed on forgiveness and reconciliation.
What situations typically cause someone to feel regretful?
Situations that involve missed opportunities, wrong decisions, or actions that have negative consequences can cause someone to feel regretful.
Can you be sorry without being regretful?
Yes, one can be sorry without being regretful, especially when expressing sympathy or condolences without personal guilt.
Can sorry be used to express regret?
Yes, sorry can be used to express regret, especially when apologizing for actions or outcomes that one wishes had been different.
What is the role of empathy in feeling sorry?
Empathy plays a significant role in feeling sorry, as it involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, prompting expressions of sympathy or apologies.
Is it possible to feel sorry for things beyond one’s control?
Yes, it's possible to feel sorry for things beyond one's control, especially when expressing sympathy or empathy towards someone else's situation or misfortune.
Can feelings of being sorry lead to positive changes?
Yes, feelings of being sorry can lead to positive changes when they motivate individuals to make amends, improve their behavior, and learn from their mistakes.
How can someone show they are truly sorry?
Someone can show they are truly sorry by apologizing sincerely, making amends where possible, and taking actions to avoid repeating the mistake.
Why might someone feel regretful but not apologize?
Someone might feel regretful but not apologize if the regret is related to personal reflections or decisions that do not directly impact others, or if they are unsure how to express their feelings.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Sculpture vs. Sculptor
Next Comparison
Cuff vs. HemAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
