The Difference Between Regretful and Regrettable

Regretful vs. Regrettable

Let’s learn about two words in English: regretful and regrettable. They look similar, but they mean different things.

Word History

Regretful comes from the word “regret.” It means feeling sad about something you did or did not do.

Regrettable also comes from “regret,” but it means something is sad or bad. It does not talk about feelings, but about a situation or event.

How to Use Them

Use regretful to talk about feelings inside a person.

Use regrettable to talk about a situation that is sad or makes people feel bad.

Trick to Remember the Difference

A trick to remember: “Regretful” is about feelings inside. “Regrettable” is about a bad situation.

Examples of “Regretful”

• She felt regretful after hurting her friend.
• He was regretful about missing the party.
• They were regretful when they saw the broken vase.
• The boy was regretful for not doing his homework.
• I am regretful about saying those mean words.

Examples of “Regrettable”

• The accident was a regrettable event.
• It is regrettable that the game was cancelled.
• That mistake was regrettable for everyone.
• Her words were hurtful and regrettable.
• The loss of the old tree was regrettable.

Summary

So, to sum up:

• Use regretful when talking about someone’s feelings.
• Use regrettable to describe something sad or bad that happened.
• Remember the trick: “Regretful” = feelings, “regrettable” = bad situation.

Now you know how to use regretful and regrettable correctly!