sori: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Informal to Formal
Quick answer
What does “sori” mean?
A feeling of regret, sadness, or distress, typically for having done something wrong, caused harm, or being in an unfortunate situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A feeling of regret, sadness, or distress, typically for having done something wrong, caused harm, or being in an unfortunate situation.
Used to express apology, sympathy, or polite disagreement/disappointment. Can also describe something in a poor, pitiful, or regrettable state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More frequent in British English for minor apologies and as a discourse marker (e.g., 'Sorry?' to mean 'Pardon?'). In American English, 'Excuse me' is often used where British speakers might use 'Sorry' for minor physical interactions.
Connotations
In both, overuse can imply excessive self-deprecation. The exclamation 'Sorry!' can carry different intonation, from sincere apology to sarcastic deflection.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, but quantitatively higher in British English corpora due to broader pragmatic functions.
Grammar
How to Use “sori” in a Sentence
be sorry for [NP/gerund]be sorry about [NP]be sorry (that) clausefeel sorry for [NP]say sorry to [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sori” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was in a sorry mess after the party.
- She gave a sorry excuse for being late.
American English
- The old barn was a sorry sight.
- It was a sorry attempt at an apology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in professional apologies for errors or delays: 'We are sorry for the inconvenience.'
Academic
Rare in core text; appears in acknowledgments or reflexive commentary: 'I am sorry to say the data is incomplete.'
Everyday
Ubiquitous for apologies, expressing sympathy, and as a polite interjection.
Technical
Not typically used with technical meaning.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sori”
- Using 'sorry' to mean 'excuse me' when trying to get past someone (more AmE: 'Excuse me').
- Overusing 'sorry for' instead of 'sorry about' for situations (e.g., 'sorry about the rain' not 'for the rain').
- Incorrect: 'I feel sorry to you.' Correct: 'I feel sorry for you.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, 'sorry for' is used for actions or feelings (sorry for hurting you, sorry for your loss). 'Sorry about' is used for situations, things, or events (sorry about the mess, sorry about the rain). The distinction is subtle and often interchangeable.
In some cultures, over-apologising for minor things (e.g., 'sorry' when someone bumps into you) can be seen as a lack of confidence. However, it is a deeply ingrained politeness marker in British English. It's important to gauge the context.
Yes, informally, particularly in the phrase 'say sorry' (e.g., 'You owe him a sorry'). However, the noun 'apology' is more formal and standard.
Common responses include: 'That's okay,' 'Don't worry about it,' 'No problem,' 'Apology accepted,' or 'Thank you for apologising.' The choice depends on the seriousness of the situation.
A feeling of regret, sadness, or distress, typically for having done something wrong, caused harm, or being in an unfortunate situation.
Sori is usually informal to formal in register.
Sori: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɒr.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɑːr.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a sorry state of affairs”
- “better safe than sorry”
- “a sorry sight”
- “feel sorry for oneself”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SORRY' as carrying a heavy 'SORRow' inside it (SORR-Y).
Conceptual Metaphor
WRONGDOING IS A BURDEN (to be sorry is to carry sorrow/regret); SYMPATHY IS SHARED FEELING (to feel sorry for someone is to share their sorrow).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'sorry' used to describe a pitiful condition, NOT to express an apology?