Rueful
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈɹuːfl̩/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Rueful is an adjective meaning Causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow, especially in a wry or humorous way.
Meaning
Causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow, especially in a wry or humorous way.
More Meanings
- Inspiring pity or compassion.
- Bad; woeful; deplorable.
Example Sentences
Merely, he received it with the rueful indulgence that he would show towards Tom when he came through with one of his solutions for ending world poverty or the arms race.
Word Forms
- ruefull
Synonyms for rueful
Depending on context, synonyms include deplorable, pitiful, sorry, atrabiliary, atrabilious, depressing.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include remorseful, repentant, contrite, penitent, sorry, sad.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.