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remorse

noun

/rɪˈmɔːs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of remorse

A deep and painful sense of regret, guilt, or sorrow over a past action or decision that one recognizes as wrong, harmful, or morally problematic.
"The criminal showed no remorse for his actions in court."

Detailed meaning of remorse

When we use the term "remorse," we emphasize the emotional and moral turmoil that an individual experiences when they come to terms with their wrongdoing. Remorse often involves self-reproach and a profound desire to make amends or seek forgiveness for one's actions. It is a complex and heavy emotion that can weigh heavily on a person's conscience, leading to a genuine desire to rectify past mistakes. Whether it's remorse for a hurtful word spoken in anger, remorse for a moral lapse, or remorse for a decision that had unintended negative consequences, this noun underscores the deep sense of guilt and anguish associated with acknowledging one's errors and the desire for moral redemption.

Example sentences containing remorse

1. The cheating student felt deep remorse for their dishonesty and apologized to the teacher.
2. The politician's public apology expressed remorse for their insensitive remarks.
3. The driver felt remorse for causing the accident and injuring the pedestrian.
4. The parent's punishment was not enough to alleviate their child's remorse for breaking a window.
5. The soldier suffered from post-traumatic remorse for the lives lost in battle.
6. The thief's remorse led them to return the stolen item to its rightful owner.

History and etymology of remorse

The noun 'remorse' has its etymological roots in Latin and reflects the profound sense of regret and guilt it conveys. It derives from the Latin word 'remorsus,' which is a combination of 're-' meaning 'again' and 'mordere,' meaning 'to bite' or 'to gnaw.' The term 'remorse' essentially encapsulates the idea of one's conscience gnawing at them again and again, a powerful image of the deep and painful sense of regret and sorrow that arises from recognizing a past action or decision as wrong, harmful, or morally problematic. This etymology poignantly captures the enduring and sometimes tormenting nature of remorse as it continues to haunt the individual's thoughts and emotions.

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Further usage examples of remorse

1. The bully's sincere remorse for their behavior helped them make amends with the victim.
2. The writer's character struggled with remorse after making a harmful decision.
3. The alcoholic's remorse for the damage done to their family motivated them to seek help.
4. The remorse of the environmental activist inspired them to take action to protect the planet.
5. The remorseful ex-lover's heartfelt apology helped heal the broken relationship.
6. He felt overwhelming remorse for the cruel words he had spoken, wishing he could take them back.
7. Remorse gnawed at her like a relentless predator, a constant reminder of the missed opportunity she had let slip through her fingers.
8. The criminal's genuine remorse, expressed through tearful apologies, had a profound impact on the courtroom and the victims.
9. She carried the heavy burden of remorse for years, haunted by the knowledge that her actions had caused irreparable harm to those she cared about.
10. Remorse flooded him like a tidal wave as he realized the magnitude of his mistake and the pain it had inflicted on others.
11. The heartfelt apology, filled with genuine remorse and a commitment to change, was met with forgiveness and a chance at redemption.
12. Remorse haunted him for the rest of his life, a relentless specter that served as a constant reminder of the consequences of his choices.
13. Her deep remorse over the tragic accident, marked by sleepless nights and tear-stained pillows, was a testament to the profound sorrow she felt.
14. He struggled to cope with the crushing weight of remorse, seeking solace in therapy and support from loved ones.
15. The thief's unexpected display of remorse, as he returned the stolen items and sought to make amends, left a lasting impact on the victims.
16. Remorse clouded her mind, making it difficult to focus on anything else, as she grappled with the betrayal that had shattered her trust.
17. He showed no remorse for his unethical actions, an unsettling revelation that further strained his relationships with colleagues.
18. She faced the consequences of her actions with a heavy heart, acutely aware of the hurt she had caused and committed to making things right.
19. The remorse in his eyes, a poignant mix of regret and guilt, was impossible to ignore, even in the face of forgiveness.
20. He sought forgiveness not to absolve himself but to ease the relentless burden of remorse that weighed on his soul.
21. Remorse lingered long after the argument had ended, leaving a rift in their friendship that was difficult to bridge.
22. Her solitude was often marked by deep introspection and a profound sense of remorse for the choices she had made.
23. He wrote a heartfelt letter of remorse to make amends with his estranged family, hoping that they would find it in their hearts to forgive him.
24. The depth of his remorse was immeasurable, and he vowed to spend the rest of his life making up for the pain he had caused.
25. Remorse had shaped his character, driving him to commit to change for the better and to lead a life guided by compassion and empathy.