A1adjective1K

Sorry

UK /["/ˈsɒri/"]/US /["/ˈsɑːri/"]/

Definition

feeling sad and ashamed about something that has been done

In simple words: A word used to express regret or apology.

Examples

  • I'm really sorry for the mistake I made.
  • He felt sorry for the stray dog in the rain.
  • I'm sorry, but I can't attend the meeting.
  • She was sorry to hear about his loss.
  • They were sorry to leave their friends behind.

Usage notes

Use 'sorry' to apologize in casual and formal situations. It’s polite in conversations if you've made a mistake. Avoid overusing it in professional settings where you need to be more specific about the issue.

Grammar pattern

standalone apology

Memory hint

Think of 'sorrow' — when you're sorry, you often feel sad about what happened.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • for
  • be sorry to disappoint somebody
  • be sorry to hear about something/​that…
  • be sorry to interrupt (somebody/​something)
  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • for
  • be sorry to disappoint somebody
  • be sorry to hear about something/​that…
  • be sorry to interrupt (somebody/​something)
  • be
  • feel
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • for
  • be sorry to disappoint somebody
  • be sorry to hear about something/​that…
  • be sorry to interrupt (somebody/​something)

Synonyms

  • apologetic
  • regretful
  • remorseful
  • contrite
  • repentant

Antonyms

  • happy
  • unapologetic

Common mistakes

  • Using 'sorry' when it's not needed, making it seem insincere.
  • Confusing 'sorry' with 'I'm sorry' — they can be used interchangeably, but 'I'm sorry' can sound more formal.
  • Not using 'sorry' in situations where an apology is expected.