ENGLISH
REFERENCE

regretted

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹɪˈɡɹɛtɪd// UK //ɹɪɡɹˈɛtɪd// re·gret·ted

adj. feeling sad or sorry about something that happened in the past. You use this to describe a choice or action that you wish you could change.

adj. feeling or expressing sorrow or remorse for a past action or lost opportunity. Often used as a participial adjective following a linking verb.


SIMPLE

He felt regretted for the harsh words he spoke.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager looked regretted as he explained that the company could no longer afford to keep the staff.

COMPLEX

She left the meeting with a regretted expression, clearly wishing she had defended her proposal more vigorously before the board made its final decision.

Synonyms
Usage

Often appears after linking verbs like 'feel', 'look', or 'seem'.

Pitfall

I am very regretted about itI deeply regret it / I am very sorry about itLearners often use 'regretted' as a predicative adjective where 'sorry' or the active verb 'regret' is more natural.

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