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rue

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ruː/

KK: /ru/

intransitive verb
Definition

To feel sadness or regret about something that has happened or been done.


Example

She began to rue her decision to leave the job.


Tense Forms

Past: rued

Past Participle: rued


Conversation
Sloth A
I really rue not taking that job offer last year.
Sloth B
I remember you were so unsure about it at the time.
Sloth A
Yeah, now I think it could have changed everything for me.
Sloth B
It's tough, but we all make choices we sometimes regret.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lament
repent
grieve
Antonyms
celebrate
rejoice
delight
noun
Definition

A type of plant known for its strong smell, often used in traditional medicine, or a feeling of sorrow or regret.


Example

To their rue, they realized too late that they had made a mistake.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of rue?
Sloth B
No, what is it?
Sloth A
It's actually a plant, but it also means regret or sorrow.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To feel sad or sorry about something that has happened, especially because it was a mistake or a bad decision.


Example

She will rue the day she decided to leave her job.


Tense Forms

Past: rued

Past Participle: rued


Conversation
Sloth A
I really rue not taking that job offer last month.
Sloth B
Yeah, it sounded like a great opportunity.
Sloth A
I keep thinking about how my life could be different now.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Rue → The word 'rue' originates from Old French 'rue', meaning regret or sorrow. It is derived from the Latin 'rugare', meaning to cry out or lament. The word 'rue' signifies a feeling of deep regret or sorrow for something that has happened.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rue' as a feeling of sorrow or regret, connecting it to the idea of lamenting or crying out for something lost.

Visually Confused Words
true
ruse
rune
rule
rude
rube
roue
prue
Is this page helpful?
That's interesting! I didn't know it had such a deep meaning.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
regret
sorrow
lament
Antonyms
joy
happiness
delight
It's tough to let go of those what-if moments.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
lament
repent
regret
Antonyms
celebrate
rejoice
delight