What does the word sorry means

Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

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An apology is an expression of regret or remorse for actions, while apologizing is the act of expressing regret or remorse. In informal situations, it may be called saying sorry.

What is the true meaning of sorry?

The definition of sorry is a feeling of sorrow or regret. An example of sorry is someone expressing sadness over a friend’s parent dying such as «I’m sorry.» … Causing sorrow, grief, or misfortune; grievous. A sorry development.

Why do people say sorry?

When you apologize, you’re telling someone that you’re sorry for the hurt you caused, even if you didn’t do it on purpose. People who are apologizing might also say that they will try to do better. They might promise to fix or replace what was broken or take back a mean thing they said.

What’s the difference between saying sorry and apologizing?

Saying sorry simply expresses your personal feelings about something. Apologizing implies that you are accepting the responsibility of the fault or mistake as well as expressing your regret about it. This is the main difference between sorry and apology.

Does sorry mean you won’t do it again?

Saying sorry means that you won’t do the same thing again. If you do, you were never really sorry in the first place. Saying sorry means that you won’t do the same thing again. If you do, you were never really sorry in the first place.

20 related questions found

What does sorry mean in a relationship?

Social psychologists know that an apology leads to forgiveness, can recover a spoiled relationship, and may heal indignity. Saying “sorry” denotes that you have chosen your relationship over your your ego.

Why is saying sorry bad?

Over-apologizing dilutes your apologies when they’re really needed. And over-apologizing can make you look less confident. It can seem as though you’re sorry for everything – for your actions and feelings, for taking up space, for your mere existence. … This doesn’t reflect self-confidence or self-worth.

Can I use apologies instead of sorry?

My Apologies

My apologies is another word for “I’m sorry.” It’s rather formal, so it’s fine for business contexts. Commonly, people use it to decline an invitation or express regret at not being able to fulfill a request. … My apologies, but your order will not arrive until Monday.

What is a better word for sorry?

In this page you can discover 99 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for sorry, like: sorrowful, apologetic, regretful, grieved, remorseful, contrite, penitent, regret, melted, pitiful and beggarly.

Is asking for forgiveness the same as saying I’m sorry?

Apology involves acknowledging one’s fault and expressing regret and remorse over it. Forgiveness involves letting go of the anger and resentment towards the person who wronged you. Apology is expressed by the wrongdoer.

What is it called when someone apologizes too much?

An obsequious person might apologize often and more than necessary. You might also check out synonyms of obsequious. – Alan Carmack.

Why does a girl always say sorry?

Traditionally, girls are often raised to value empathy over the «masculine» trait of strength — which means that, in situations where strength or assertiveness is required, women feel the need to cushion their actions with an apology.

What does sorry mean in the Bible?

Apologizing is a way of recognizing our sins. It has a way of clearing the air between people and between you and God. When people apologize, they look for forgiveness for their sins. Sometimes, it means apologizing to God for the ways we have wronged Him.

Who created the word sorry?

Sorry has been in written English since the time of King Alfred the Great (849–899), the word first appearing in his translation of Boethius’ The Consolation of Philosophy.

Where does the word sorry come from?

The origins of the word ‘sorry’ can be traced to the Old English ‘sarig’ meaning “distressed, grieved or full of sorrow”, but of course, most British people use the word more casually.

How do you apologize professionally?

Follow these steps to deliver an effective apology to someone you work with:

  1. Apologize soon after the incident. …
  2. Decide how you’ll apologize. …
  3. Address your recipient by name. …
  4. Apologize with sincerity. …
  5. Validate how the other person feels. …
  6. Admit to your responsibility. …
  7. Explain how you’ll correct the mistake. …
  8. Keep your promises.

How do you politely apologize?

Apologize

  1. Please accept my apologies.
  2. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to..
  3. (I’m) sorry. I didn’t realize the impact of…
  4. Please accept our deepest apologies for…
  5. Please accept my sincere apologies for…
  6. Please accept this as my formal apology for…
  7. Please allow me to apologize for…
  8. I would like to express my deep regrets for…

How do you say sorry in a cute way?

1. I messed up I know, I’m really sorry, but it’s your fault I’m crazy about you! 2. Before I say I’m sorry, before we argue over what I did, I just want you to know that when we first met I never imagined you’d mean this much to me, like you’d become the only I really care about!

How do you say sorry without actually saying sorry?

Instead of showing sympathy with “I am sorry,” be empathetic and reflect on what someone else is feeling. You can do this by saying something like: “That is sad, it must have been difficult for you” when someone shares his/ her experience with you.

What can I say instead of Don’t be sorry?

When someone apologizes for something they’ve done, rather than say, «don’t be sorry,» or even «You don’t have to be sorry,» simply say «it’s okay» or «no problem.» By saying the former, you invalidate their feelings and imply that their apology is unwarranted.

What can I say instead of I’m sorry you feel that way?

“We tend to overuse ‘sorry,’ when it should be reserved for true apologies,” she says. “’I’m sorry you feel that way’ just isn’t a meaningful apology. It would be better to say, ‘I hate that you’re having that experience and my actions had that impact on you. I feel sad hearing this and I’m sorry for what I did.

Can apologizing make things worse?

In my experience, a good apology not only heals the first injury but strengthens the relationship between people. In contrast, the failure to make an apology when one is called for often causes more damage than the initial hurt—because it expands the breach between the two of you.

Does saying sorry make you weak?

It’s how we own up to our mistakes that makes all the difference. We tend to view apologies as a sign of weakness—as if we are less of a person if we make a mistake. But in fact, owning up to our flaws and mistakes requires a lot of strength and self-awareness.

Is it good to say sorry?

If something you’ve done has caused pain for another person, it’s a good idea to apologize, even if whatever you did was unintentional. … Basically, if you care about the other person and the relationship, and you can avoid offending behavior in the future, an apology is usually a good idea.

When a man says sorry What does it mean?

Saying it requires vulnerability to admit wrongdoing and the hurt that that wrongdoing has inflicted on the person you’re apologizing to. To be truly sorry means feeling regret or sorrow over an unfortunate situation and your role in it.

1

a

: feeling sorrow or sympathy

I’m so sorry for your loss.

We were very sorry to hear the news.

She felt sorry for him. [=she felt sympathy and concern for him because of his situation, problems, etc.]

He told me to stop feeling sorry for myself. [=to stop indulging in self-pity]

b

: feeling regret or penitence

He was sorry about what he had said.

«I wanted to apologize,» she said, «for my abominable rudeness in laughing at you just now. It was idiotic of me and I don’t know why I did it. I’m sorryP. G. Wodehouse

«… I’m so sorry, but the tongs were too hot, and so I’ve made a mess,» groaned poor Jo, regarding the little black pancakes with tears of regret.Louisa May Alcott

I am sorry we have ever differed, and extremely sorry I have ever given you offence.Charles Dickens


used to express polite regret

I’m sorry, but I think you’re wrong.I’m sorry to interrupt you.

used to introduce disappointing or bad news in a polite way

I’m sorry, but we won’t be able to come.

used as an apology for a minor fault or offense

Oh, sorry—that was clumsy of me.I’m late again. Sorry about that. [=I’m sorry; I apologize]

2

: mournful, sad

Rilla remembered one moonlit evening of childhood when she had said to her mother, «The moon just looks like a sorry, sorry face.»Lucy Maud Montgomery

3

: inspiring sorrow, pity, scorn, or ridicule : pitiful

Their affairs were in a sorry state.

Lawrence blushed, and then smiled awkwardly. A man in love is a sorry spectacle.Agatha Christie

In view of the sorry treatment of the Native Americans of the US, it is time that their voice was heard a little more clearly in contemporary American society.Tim Flannery

… had been on her way to work when her rusted-out, … sorry excuse for a car … choked on its last drop of gasoline, then died.Ingrid Law

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for sorry

despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.



a pitiable attempt at tragedy

sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.



this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car



a scurvy crew of hangers-on

Example Sentences



I’m sorry if I offended you.



She was sorry to hear about their divorce.



I’m sorry for your loss.



I’m sorry for saying that.



I’m sorry that I wasted your time.



What a sorry state of affairs we’re in now.



That’s the sorriest excuse I’ve heard.

See More

Recent Examples on the Web

After Chen’s arrest, Hu Xijin, a nationalist and retired chief editor of The Global Times, a Communist Party tabloid, lamented the sorry state of the country’s soccer program on Chinese social media.


Tariq Panja, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2023





This decline then continues until death (sorry for bringing the mood down) as people’s priorities shift.


Daisy Jones, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2023





Daniel Radcliffe is about to be a Dad-iel Radcliffe (sorry).


Vulture, 26 Mar. 2023





Not sorry, actually.


Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 25 Mar. 2023





Sorry zebra, not sorry about the owner.


Andrew Jeong, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2023





Finally the camera settles on a young man sitting and crying in a London loo, feeling sorry for himself after his ex-girlfriend dumped him for his best friend from childhood.


Stuart Miller, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Mar. 2023





Her outlook help shield her sons from feeling sorry for her — or themselves.


The Indianapolis Star, 23 Mar. 2023





Better flush with seed than sorry.


Jeff Lowenfels | Alaska Gardening And Growing, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Mar. 2023



See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘sorry.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sory, from Old English sārig, from sār sore

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of sorry was
before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near sorry

Cite this Entry

“Sorry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sorry. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sorry

Last Updated:
2 Apr 2023
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Merriam-Webster unabridged

Table of Contents

  1. What is apology with example?
  2. What does the word sorry actually mean?
  3. How do you know if someone is genuinely sorry?
  4. How do I know if he’s really sorry?
  5. What makes an apology insincere?
  6. What isn’t an apology?
  7. Why can’t a narcissist say sorry?

You use I’m sorry or sorry as an introduction when you are telling a person something that you do not think they will want to hear, for example when you are disagreeing with them or giving them bad news.

What is apology with example?

Please give them my apologies. 2a : something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize : defense The book is an apology for capitalism. b : excuse sense 2a. 3 informal : a poor substitute or example : makeshift He’s a poor apology for a father.

What does the word sorry actually mean?

1 : feeling sorrow or regret I’m sorry I lied. 2 : causing sorrow, pity, or scorn : pitiful a sorry sight a sorry excuse.

How do you know if someone is genuinely sorry?

They apologize First and foremost, people who are sorry for their actions will offer an apology. Sincere apologies generally come quickly and without prompting or pressure. They are not offered to avoid consequences. They are the result of someone truly recognizing the error of their ways and wanting to make amends.

How do I know if he’s really sorry?

7 Ways To Know That Your Man Is Truly Sorry

  1. He doesn’t repeat that mistake. Relationship.
  2. He is aware of the problem. Relationship.
  3. He asks you to forgive him.
  4. He offers to do something so you would believe him.
  5. He made it all about you.
  6. He gives you time to process it.
  7. He doesn’t make excuses.

What makes an apology insincere?

Insincere Apologies Come With an Expectation That You’ll Get Over It Quickly. When an apology is made, some friends think that the issue is done and you can go back to being pals again. Perhaps whatever happened was so bad that the friend who made the error needs to make amends for a while until trust is restored.

What isn’t an apology?

A non-apology apology, sometimes called a nonpology, backhanded apology, or fauxpology, is a statement in the form of an apology that does not express remorse. Saying “I’m sorry you feel that way” to someone who has been offended by a statement is a non-apology apology.

Why can’t a narcissist say sorry?

If you tell narcissists about mistakes they’ve made or feelings they’ve hurt, it’s almost impossible to get them to say sorry. They won’t do it because they don’t feel any sense of guilt. Narcissists lack empathy. As such, they simply can’t understand why the other person is hurting or why they’re worried.

Last Updated: April 20, 2022 | Author: howto-Trust

Contents

  • 1 What is the real meaning of sorry?
  • 2 What does sorry mean in the Bible?
  • 3 Does sorry mean I won’t do it again?
  • 4 Does sorry mean sad?
  • 5 Why do we have to be sorry for our sins is it enough to say sorry?
  • 6 What’s the difference between apologizing and saying sorry?
  • 7 Why do people say sorry?
  • 8 What does sorry mean in a relationship?
  • 9 What is a better word for sorry?
  • 10 How do you tell someone you’re sorry?
  • 11 Why should you never say sorry?
  • 12 Why do I say sorry for no reason?
  • 13 How do you show your sorry without saying it?
  • 14 How do you apologize to someone who doesn’t want to talk to you?
  • 15 What should you not do when you apologize?
  • 16 What does it mean when a person never apologizes?
  • 17 What does the Bible say about saying sorry to others?

What is the real meaning of sorry?

1 : feeling sorrow or regret I’m sorry I lied. 2 : causing sorrow, pity, or scorn : pitiful a sorry sight a sorry excuse.

What does sorry mean in the Bible?

Apologizing is a way of recognizing our sins. It has a way of clearing the air between people and between you and God. When people apologize, they look for forgiveness for their sins. Sometimes, it means apologizing to God for the ways we have wronged Him.

Does sorry mean I won’t do it again?

Saying sorry means that you won’t do the same thing again. If you do, you were never really sorry in the first place. Saying sorry means that you won’t do the same thing again. If you do, you were never really sorry in the first place.

Does sorry mean sad?

Frequency: The definition of sorry is a feeling of sorrow or regret. An example of sorry is someone expressing sadness over a friend’s parent dying such as “I’m sorry.” … I am sorry to hear of your uncle’s death.

Why do we have to be sorry for our sins is it enough to say sorry?

A sincere apology allows you to let people know you’re not proud of what you did, and won’t be repeating the behavior. That lets people know you’re the kind of person who is generally careful not to hurt others and puts the focus on your better virtues, rather than on your worst mistakes.

What’s the difference between apologizing and saying sorry?

An apology is a formal admission of a wrongdoing. It may or may not be heartfelt — i.e., a person may apologize without feeling remorseful. On the other hand, saying “I am sorry” is usually seen as being a truer admission of regret.

Why do people say sorry?

When you apologize, you’re telling someone that you’re sorry for the hurt you caused, even if you didn’t do it on purpose. People who are apologizing might also say that they will try to do better. They might promise to fix or replace what was broken or take back a mean thing they said.

What does sorry mean in a relationship?

Social psychologists know that an apology leads to forgiveness, can recover a spoiled relationship, and may heal indignity. Saying “sorry” denotes that you have chosen your relationship over your your ego.

What is a better word for sorry?

In this page you can discover 99 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for sorry, like: sorrowful, apologetic, regretful, grieved, remorseful, contrite, penitent, regret, melted, pitiful and beggarly.

How do you tell someone you’re sorry?

Steps for saying you’re sorry

  1. Before you do anything, practise self-affirmation. It’s important to start by saying a few positive words to yourself. …
  2. Spell out why you want to apologise. …
  3. Admit you were wrong. …
  4. Acknowledge the other person’s feelings. …
  5. Say you’re sorry. …
  6. Ask them to forgive you.

Why should you never say sorry?

Choosing not to apologize may have psychological benefits, according to a study published in The European Journal of Social Psychology. Researchers found that participants who refused to express remorse showed signs of “greater self-esteem, increased feelings of power (or control) and integrity.”

Why do I say sorry for no reason?

Over-apologizing is a common problem for those of us with codependent tendencies. It’s a symptom of our low self-esteem, fear of conflicts, and laser-sharp focus on other people’s needs and feelings. … We feel like everything is our fault – a belief that probably began in childhood.

How do you show your sorry without saying it?

Instead of showing sympathy with “I am sorry,” be empathetic and reflect on what someone else is feeling. You can do this by saying something like: “That is sad, it must have been difficult for you” when someone shares his/ her experience with you.

How do you apologize to someone who doesn’t want to talk to you?

How to Apologize to Someone Who Doesn’t Want to Talk to You

  1. Get in the right headspace. …
  2. Give them space (and time). …
  3. Offer One Genuine Apology. …
  4. Show Them You’re (Genuinely) Sorry. …
  5. Wait a Few Days. …
  6. Reach Out to Them. …
  7. Let it Go.

What should you not do when you apologize?

If you really want to step up your apology skills, make sure to avoid these common apology pitfalls:

  1. Making excuses! …
  2. Shifting blame. …
  3. Casting doubt on others’ experience of the situation or questioning what transpired. …
  4. Using past behaviour to justify current behaviour.

What does it mean when a person never apologizes?

The bottom line is this: We all have moments when we refuse to admit we’re wrong. But when someone never takes responsibility and is habitually incapable of apologizing, it’s a sign that they’re a person with a fragile ego and a weak sense of self.

What does the Bible say about saying sorry to others?

25. James 5:16. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Other forms: sorrier; sorriest; sorrily

To be sorry is to feel regret or feel bad about something — usually something you did. «I’m sorry» is an apology.

If you’re feeling sorry about something, then you’re feeling a combination of sadness and regret. You can be sorry for things you did, and you can also be sorry for bad things that happen to other people that don’t involve you. At a funeral, people say «I’m sorry for your loss.» The word sorry can also be used as an adjective to mean shoddy or crappy, as in «That is one sorry excuse!»

Definitions of sorry

  1. adjective

    feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone

    synonyms:

    bad, regretful

    penitent, repentant

    feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds

  2. “a
    sorry horse”

    “a
    sorry excuse”

    synonyms:

    good-for-naught, good-for-nothing, meritless, no-account, no-count, no-good

    worthless

    lacking in usefulness or value

  3. adjective

    bad; unfortunate

    “a
    sorry state of affairs”

    synonyms:

    deplorable, distressing, lamentable, pitiful, sad

    bad

    having undesirable or negative qualities

  4. adjective

    causing dejection

    synonyms:

    blue, dark, dingy, disconsolate, dismal, drab, drear, dreary, gloomy, grim

    cheerless, depressing, uncheerful

    causing sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘sorry’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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