Cool MateGuilt vs Regret
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Guilt | Regret | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A feeling of being bad or wrong about something you did. | To feel sad or sorry about something you did or didn't do. |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts, often when discussing feelings of remorse or regret. It may not be suitable for lighthearted conversations. | Use 'regret' to express feelings about past actions. It's appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, but less so in casual conversations where simpler phrases might fit better. |
Frequently asked questions: Guilt vs Regret
What's the difference between "Guilt" and "Regret"?
"Guilt" means: A feeling of being bad or wrong about something you did. "Regret" means: To feel sad or sorry about something you did or didn't do.
When should I use "Guilt" and "Regret"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Guilt" and "Regret" the same CEFR level?
"Guilt" is at C1, "Regret" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.