The phrase "felt remorse" is spelled phonetically as /fɛlt rɪˈmɔrs/. The "e" in "felt" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, while the "r" is pronounced with a slight emphasis. "Remorse" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, and the "o" sound is pronounced with a short "o" sound like in "lot". The "r" sound is pronounced with a rolling effect, and the "s" sound at the end is pronounced as a voiced "z" sound. The phrase means to feel regret or guilt over something that was done.
Felt remorse refers to having a deep sense of regret, guilt, or sorrow over one's actions, decisions, or behavior. It is an emotional response characterized by feelings of remorsefulness, self-reproach, and the acknowledgment of having caused harm or wrongdoing. When an individual experiences remorse, they genuinely feel sorry for the consequences of their actions, often yearning to make amends or rectify the situation.
Remorse differs from mere regret in that it involves a moral or ethical element. It stems from an individual's understanding and recognition of the negative impact of their actions on others or themselves. Felt remorse is typically accompanied by a sense of personal responsibility, where the individual internalizes their mistakes and feels accountable for the pain they may have caused.
The emotional state of remorse can often lead one to reflect upon their actions, evaluate their values, and consider personal growth or change. It may motivate individuals to seek forgiveness, make reparations, or engage in actions aimed at rectifying the wrongs committed. Felt remorse can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and ethical development, as individuals gain insight into their behaviors, learning from their mistakes and striving to become better versions of themselves.
Overall, felt remorse denotes an intense emotional experience that highlights an individual's regret, guilt, and sorrow over their actions, demonstrating a genuine desire for personal growth and acknowledgment of the harm they have caused.
The word "remorse" comes from the Latin word "remorsus", which is the past participle of "remordere". "Remordere" is formed by combining the prefix "re-" (meaning back or again) and the verb "mordere" (meaning to bite). Therefore, the literal translation of "remorsus" is "bitten back" or "bit again". Over time, the term developed to denote the feeling of deep regret or guilt after committing a wrong or harmful action. The addition of "felt" before "remorse" simply emphasizes experiencing or having the emotion of remorse.