rɪˈɡret v. & n. --v.tr. (regretted, regretting) (often foll. by
that + clause) 1
feel or express
sorrow or repentance or
distress over (an
action or
loss etc.) (I regret that I
forgot; regretted
your absence). 2 (often foll. by to + infin. or that + clause)
acknowledge with sorrow or
remorse (I regret to
say that
you are
wrong; regretted he
would not be attending). --n. 1 a
feeling of sorrow, repentance,
disappointment,
etc., over an action or loss etc. 2 (often in pl.) an (esp.
polite or formal)
expression of disappointment or sorrow at an
occurrence,
inability to
comply, etc. (refused with
many regrets; heard with regret of
her death). øgive (or send) one's regrets formally
decline an
invitation. [ME f. OF regreter bewail]