sorry

sor|ry [ `sɔri ] adjective ***

1. ) ashamed, embarrassed, or unhappy about something that you have done:

Tell your sister you're sorry!

sorry (that): I'm sorry I behaved in such a childish way.

sorry for: He wasn't sorry for hitting the other boy.

a ) feeling sadness or sympathy for someone because something bad has happened to them:

sorry about: I'm sorry about your losing your job.

sorry to hear (that): I am sorry to hear that your father died.

b ) disappointed about a situation, and wishing you could change it:

sorry (that): I'm sorry you have decided to leave the company.

We're sorry you weren't happy with our service.

2. ) used for emphasizing how bad, stupid, or embarrassing something is:

That's the sorriest excuse I've ever heard.

a sorry business/mess/state (=an unpleasant or difficult situation): If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be in this sorry mess.

a ) used for emphasizing that something is so bad it makes you feel sympathy:

What a sorry sight they were!

feel sorry for someone

1. ) to feel sympathy for someone because they are in a difficult or unpleasant situation:

I feel sorry for the guys who have to work double shifts.

2. ) feel sorry for yourself to feel sad about your life instead of trying to do things that could make you feel better:

Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself, go out and socialize.

I'm sorry/Sorry SPOKEN

1. ) used for telling someone you are ashamed or unhappy about something you have done that has hurt or upset them:

I'm sorry I shouldn't have blamed you.

Sorry, I didn't mean to step on your foot.

2. ) used in a social situation as a way of asking someone to forgive you for doing something rude, embarrassing, etc.:

Sorry, I should have phoned to let you know I'd be late.

feel sorry for someone about: I'm sorry about the misunderstanding.

3. ) used for politely interrupting someone, especially to ask them a question:

Sorry, do you know the time?

feel sorry for someone for: I'm sorry for the intrusion, but you have a phone call.

4. ) used for politely asking someone to repeat something they have said:

I'm sorry, what was your name again?

5. ) used for interrupting yourself to correct a mistake you have made while speaking:

You need to catch the number 3, sorry, the number 23 bus to Market Street.

6. ) used for politely disagreeing with someone's opinion:

I'm sorry but I don't see how you expect us to finish by lunchtime.

I'm sorry to say/report SPOKEN

used for talking about something bad or disappointing that has happened:

We're going to have to lay off 100 employees, I'm sorry to say.