What does sorrier mean?
“Sorrier” is the comparative form of “sorry.” It describes a person who is more apologetic, regretful, remorseful, or concerned about having caused harm or inconvenience than someone else. The word is especially useful when feelings change in degree: someone may begin by feeling bad about an incident and become sorrier after learning more about its consequences. It can also describe an apology that is more heartfelt or extensive, as in “She offered the sorrier of the two apologies.” In everyday English, “sorrier” is often used emotionally rather than formally, particularly when expressing regret toward another person. Although it appears in phrases such as “feel sorrier,” its essential meaning is comparative: it identifies a greater degree of sorrow, apology, or remorse.
adjectiveThe comparative form of “sorry,” meaning more sorry, apologetic, regretful, or remorseful.
- More sorry, apologetic, regretful, or remorseful than someone or something else.
"The more elaborate the excuse, the sorrier she felt."
"He was sorrier about the misunderstanding than his friend was."
"The more she learned about the damage, the sorrier she became."
When apologies multiply, “sorrier” is the word that tells you the regret is growing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sorrier come from?
The word comes from Old English “sorg,” meaning sorrow or grief, and developed through Middle English “sory” into modern “sorry.” The suffix “-er” forms the comparative “sorrier,” with the superlative “sorriest.” Related words include “sorrow” and “sorrowful,” which preserve the same Germanic root.
Related word forms
How sorrier is actually used
This is the comparative degree of “sorry.” It is used for qualities or feelings that can be compared, but it is not normally used with the adjective “sorry” in a formal register when a direct comparison is not intended.
Easily confused with sorrier
“Sorry” is the base adjective, while “sorrier” is its comparative form, used when comparing two people or situations.