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rueful
01
showing sadness and regret inspired by compassion
rueful
adj
rue
n
ruefully
adv
ruefully
adv
ruefulness
n
ruefulness
n
Example
The teacher's rueful tone softened the reprimand.
Her rueful expression showed she regretted her harsh words.
He looked rueful when he realized the impact of his mistake.
She gave him a rueful smile after hearing his sad story.
He shook his head with a rueful sigh, feeling sorry for his friend.
