regret crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're searching for solutions to the intriguing clue "regret", you've landed on the perfect page. We offer a comprehensive list of potential answers, clear explanations, and expert tips to help you conquer your crossword puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "regret crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RUE: To bitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen).
5 Letters
MOURN: To feel or show deep sorrow or regret, often associated with a loss or something deeply missed.
6 Letters
LAMENT: To express passionate grief or sorrow for; often implies expressing regret or disappointment over something.
REPENT: To feel or express sincere remorse or regret about one's wrongdoing or sin.
7 Letters
DEPLORE: To feel or express strong disapproval of (something); to express strong regret or sadness over something.
REMORSE: A deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. (Although a noun, often used in clues where 'regret' is also a noun context).
More About "regret crossword clue"
The word "regret" is a rich and versatile term frequently encountered in crossword puzzles. It carries significant emotional weight and can function as both a verb (the act of regretting) and a noun (the feeling of regret). This dual nature is precisely what allows for a diverse range of synonyms to be used as valid answers, making it crucial for solvers to consider the precise context of the clue and the required number of letters.
Crossword clues involving "regret" often delve into themes of past actions, missed opportunities, or profound emotional states. Discerning the subtle differences between potential answers like 'rue', 'lament', and 'deplore' is essential. While 'rue' generally points to a personal feeling of deep sorrow, 'lament' might imply a more vocal or public expression of grief, and 'deplore' suggests a strong disapproval intertwined with sadness or regret over a situation. This semantic depth makes "regret" a challenging yet rewarding clue to solve.
Always pay close attention to whether the clue is asking for the action of regretting or the resulting feeling itself. This distinction can guide you towards a verb-based solution (such as RUE or LAMENT) or a noun-based one (like REMORSE), greatly narrowing down your options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Determine if "regret" is used as a verb (e.g., "to feel sorrow for") or a noun (e.g., "a feeling of sorrow"). This fundamental step can significantly refine your search for the correct answer.
- Consider Emotional and Action-Oriented Synonyms: Beyond direct synonyms, think about words that describe the act of regretting or the emotions associated with it. Words like 'mourn', 'deplore', or 'repent' are excellent examples.
- Utilize Letter Count and Intersecting Letters: The number of letters provided is your most powerful hint. If you have any intersecting letters from already solved clues, use them strategically to confirm or eliminate potential answers.
- Look for Contextual Nudges within the Clue: Sometimes, the phrasing of the full crossword clue offers additional clues. For instance, "Bitterly __" might point directly to RUE, while "Mourn a loss" clearly suggests MOURN.
For more in-depth advice and advanced techniques, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortest answer for 'regret crossword clue'?
The shortest common answer for 'regret' in crosswords is 'RUE', which is 3 letters long. It means to bitterly regret something, or to repent of it.
Are there multiple answers for 'regret' in crosswords?
Yes, 'regret' is a versatile clue with several possible answers depending on the letter count and specific nuance required by the puzzle. Common alternatives include LAMENT, MOURN, DEPLORE, REPENT, and REMORSE.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'lament', 'deplore', and 'repent'?
'Lament' often implies expressing grief or sorrow. 'Deplore' typically means expressing strong disapproval or deep regret over a situation. 'Repent' specifically relates to feeling remorse for wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness. The specific context of the clue and the number of letters are key in differentiating them, as well as the surrounding words in the puzzle grid.