Dictionary

rueful

adjective rue·ful \ˈrü-fəl\

: showing or feeling regret for something done

Full Definition of RUEFUL

1
:  exciting pity or sympathy :  pitiable <rueful squalid poverty … by every wayside — John Morley>
2
:  mournful, regretful <troubled her with a rueful disquiet — W. M. Thackeray>
rue·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
rue·ful·ness noun
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First Known Use of RUEFUL

13th century
RUEFUL Defined for Kids

rueful

adjective rue·ful \ˈrü-fəl\

Definition of RUEFUL for Kids

1
:  exciting pity or sympathy

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