regret

re|gret1 [ rı`gret ] verb transitive FORMAL **

to feel sorry or sad that something has happened:

We regret any inconvenience caused by the delay.

regret that: I regret that I will not be with you on such an important occasion.

a. to feel sorry or sad about something you have said or done:

Haven't you ever said anything you regret?

I'm glad you're coming with us. You won't regret it.

regret doing something: I don't regret moving to New York.

live to regret something (=regret it later): This is one decision you'll live to regret.

deeply regret: I deeply regret what happened there is no excuse for it.

I/we regret to inform/tell you that FORMAL

used when you are giving someone bad news:

I regret to inform you that you have not been approved for the loan.

regret

re|gret 2 [ rı`gret ] noun count or uncount FORMAL *

a feeling of sadness about something that has happened:

with great/deep regret: It is with deep regret that we have to report the deaths of five soldiers.

express regret: The doctor expressed regret over his inability to do more for my father.

a. a feeling of sadness about something you wish you had not said or done:

His face showed no sign of regret for what he had done.

have no regrets: I have no regrets about leaving school at an early age.

only/biggest regret: Tom's biggest regret was not being there when his mother died.

give/send (someone) your regrets FORMAL

used as a polite way of refusing an invitation:

Please give your parents our regrets that we cannot be there.