remorse
B2Formal to neutral. Common in both written and spoken language, though less frequent in casual conversation.
Definition
Meaning
Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
A painful, often persistent feeling of sorrow and self-reproach for one's actions, typically involving a moral or ethical failure, sometimes accompanied by a wish to atone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a moral or ethical dimension to the regret. It is more intense than simple 'regret' and suggests a conscious, personal feeling of responsibility for causing harm or committing a misdeed. Does not imply a temporary feeling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, usage, or frequency. The concept is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of deep, moral guilt.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
feel remorse for [noun/gerund]show remorse for [noun/gerund]be filled with remorse about/for [noun/gerund]have no remorse over [noun/gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “remorse of conscience”
- “to be seized with remorse”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts of business ethics or PR crises (e.g., 'The CEO showed no remorse for the environmental damage.').
Academic
Common in psychology, ethics, law, and literature discussing moral emotions and behaviour.
Everyday
Used to describe strong personal guilt over significant actions (e.g., betraying a friend, causing an accident).
Technical
Used in legal contexts, especially in sentencing, where 'showing remorse' can affect judicial outcomes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was clearly remorsing over his decision.
- She will remorse that action for years.
American English
- He clearly felt remorse for his decision.
- She will regret that action for years.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her remorsefully.
- She spoke remorsefully about the incident.
American English
- He looked at her with remorse.
- She spoke in a remorseful tone about the incident.
adjective
British English
- He gave a remorseful glance.
- Her remorseful apology was accepted.
American English
- He gave a remorseful look.
- Her remorseful apology was accepted.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He felt bad for breaking the window.
- She felt regret for her harsh words.
- He showed genuine remorse for hurting his friend's feelings.
- Consumed by remorse, the politician made a public apology for his past misconduct, hoping to atone for his errors.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
REMORSE = RE-MORSE. Think: 'I REgret causing MORSE code (distress).' The feeling comes back (RE) to bite you.
Conceptual Metaphor
REMORSE IS A BURDEN / A PAINFUL AGENT. (e.g., 'weighed down by remorse', 'remorse gnawed at him').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'раскаяние' (more formal, religious connotation) or 'угрызения совести' (idiomatic phrase). 'Remorse' is a direct equivalent to 'раскаяние' in secular use but is closer to the feeling described by 'угрызения совести'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'remorse' for minor regrets (e.g., 'I feel remorse for eating that cake.' – use 'regret'). Confusing it with 'grief' (sadness from loss).
Practice
Quiz
Which situation is most likely to cause 'remorse'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Regret is a broader term for wishing you had acted differently. Remorse is a deeper, moral form of regret focused on guilt for a wrong committed, often involving harm to others.
Yes. In law, a defendant showing 'genuine remorse' can be a mitigating factor during sentencing, as it may suggest lower risk of reoffending.
The adjective is 'remorseful'. 'Remorseless' is also an adjective, but it means 'without remorse' or 'pitiless'.
No. 'Remorse' is an uncountable noun. Use 'I feel remorse' or 'I have a feeling of remorse'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Nuanced Emotions
C2 · 48 words · Precise vocabulary for complex emotional states.
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