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noun

remorse

rih-MAWS
noun
1
A deep feeling of guilt or regret for having done something wrong.
"He showed no remorse for the harm he had caused."
"She felt a pang of remorse after snapping at her sister."

How to Use Remorse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strong sense of guilt for something you've done, often lasting after the fact.

Common mistake

Remorse is about guilt over your own actions; "regret" is broader and can apply to things outside your control too.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
show remorse without remorse feel remorse

Word Forms

remorsed past tense, remorses plural, remorses singular

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He showed no _____ for the harm he had caused.

Etymology

From Old French remors, from Medieval Latin remorsus, from Latin remordere ("to bite back") — the idea of guilt "biting" at your conscience.

Related Words

Rhymes for remorse

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial