Remorsefully — Definition & Meaning

What does remorsefully mean?

Remorsefully is an adverb meaning “in a remorseful way,” with remorse indicating sincere regret, sorrow, or a sense of guilt about wrongdoing. It can describe how someone speaks, acts, looks, or apologizes, often suggesting that the person feels responsible for a mistake or harmful action. The word is more formal and literary than common alternatives such as “apologetically” or “regretfully,” so it is often used in literary contexts, formal writing, or careful descriptions of behavior. Remorsefully is more specific than merely expressing disappointment: it implies moral regret or an inward sense of fault, not just annoyance that an outcome was unfavorable. The related adjective “remorseful” is similarly used for a person, expression, or voice.

adverb

In a manner that expresses or is characterized by remorse. It describes an apologetic, regretful way of speaking or acting.

Senses

In a way that shows remorse, regret, or contrition.

Example

"He apologized remorsefully for arriving late and causing so much inconvenience."

More examples

"The offender looked remorsefully at the person he had hurt."

"She wrote remorsefully, accepting responsibility for the mistake."

Did you know?

Remorsefully turns remorse into a manner of speaking or acting: remorse felt inwardly can become remorseful words.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does remorsefully come from?

Remorse comes through Old French from Latin remorsus, a past participle of remordere, literally “to bite again” or “gnaw.” The Latin word developed the sense of being inwardly troubled or distressed by wrongdoing. The adjective “remorseful” and the adverb “remorsefully” were formed from this older noun, with the adverb using the standard suffix “-ly” combined with the adjective ending “-ful.”

remorse remorseful remorseless