rueful
Say it: ROO-ful /ˈrufəl/ · adjective
What “rueful” means
Showing regret, sometimes with a small smile at yourself.
More precisely: Expressing regret, often in a mild or wry way.
Example: “He gave a rueful smile as he admitted he'd forgotten the tickets.”
When to use it
Use it for a regretful smile or remark that gently admits a mistake. The tone is often wry or self-mocking.
Memory trick
Rue means regret: a rueful smile quietly says you wish you had acted differently.
Similar words
regretful, sheepish, apologetic
Quick check
You smile at your own foolishness while admitting you watered a plastic plant for months. What kind of smile is that?
smug or rueful?
Show the answer
rueful
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