ruefully
When you do something in a way that expresses regret, you’re doing it ruefully. If someone asks you about your Saturday night and you smile ruefully in response . . . well . . . you probably made some poor choices.
The origin of the word ruefully is a Germanic word that means “repentance.” But over time the word has adopted a slightly humorous tone, so you can go ahead and shake your head ruefully at your friend who has just put his boot on the wrong foot — you feel a little bit sorry for him at the moment. You might grin ruefully when asked about how many pairs of shoes you bought on your trip.
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in a manner expressing pain or sorrow“`I made a big mistake,' he said ruefully”synonyms: contritely, remorsefully
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Vocabulary lists containing ruefully
In the 1960s, tensions between two rival gangs separated along economic lines reach a violent breaking point.
On his eleventh birthday, orphan Harry Potter learns the shocking truth: he's a wizard about to begin his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
When they are marooned on a deserted island, a group of schoolboys attempts to form a new society.