The word "rueful" is spelled as /ˈruːfʊl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "ru-" is pronounced as "roo" with a long vowel sound. The second syllable "-eful" is pronounced as "uh-ful" with a short "u" sound. This adjective describes a feeling of regret or sadness. It comes from the Old English word "rēow" meaning sorrowful. When you feel rueful, you feel sorrowful or regretful about something that happened or didn't happen.
The adjective "rueful" refers to someone or something that expresses or shows deep regret, repentance, or sorrow for something that has happened or been done. It is commonly used to describe a facial expression, attitude, or demeanor that reflects a sense of remorse or sadness.
A person with a rueful expression may have a furrowed brow, downturned corners of the mouth, or a wistful and pensive look in their eyes. Such an expression suggests that the individual feels remorseful or regretful about a particular action, decision, or event. It signifies a genuine feeling of sorrow for something that has transpired in their life.
Additionally, "rueful" can also describe the tone or manner in which someone expresses regret or sorrow. It is often associated with a subdued or melancholic voice and body language that conveys remorse. For instance, someone might speak in a rueful tone when recounting a mistake they made or express a rueful smile when admitting a wrong.
The term "rueful" can also be used to describe situations or situations that evoke feelings of deep regret or sorrow, as well as objects or environments that evoke a sense of heavy remorse. In these contexts, "rueful" emphasizes the poignant nature of such experiences, often leading to introspection and self-reflection.
Woeful; mournful; expressing sorrow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rueful" derives from the Old English term "hrēowful", which combines "hrēow" (meaning sorrow or regret) and "–ful" (a suffix indicating full of). Consequently, "hrēowful" referred to someone who was full of sorrow or sadness. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved to its modern form, "rueful".