Dictionary monolingual
English
Sorry
ˈsɑri
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Sorry -
Expressing regret or apology
Example: I'm sorry for being late to the meeting.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, official apologies
Note: Commonly used to show remorse or ask for forgiveness
Expressing sympathy or compassion
Example: I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
Usage: formal/informalContext: comforting someone in difficult situations
Note: Can be used to show empathy and support
Politely asking someone to repeat or clarify something
Example: I'm sorry, could you repeat that last part?
Usage: formalContext: seeking clarification in conversations or meetings
Note: Used to be polite and show interest in understanding
Expressing disagreement or disapproval in a polite manner
Example: I'm sorry, but I don't think that's a good idea.
Usage: formalContext: disagreeing politely in discussions
Note: Softens the tone of disagreement or criticism
Used as a filler word in informal speech
Example: I'm sorry, but I just don't see it that way.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations, everyday speech
Note: Can be used as a conversational filler without expressing apology
Sorry's synonyms
apologetic
Apologetic means expressing or showing regret or remorse for having done something wrong.
Example: She sounded apologetic when she realized her mistake.
Note: Apologetic is more formal and specific than 'sorry'. It implies a deeper sense of regret or remorse.
contrite
Contrite means feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.
Example: She appeared contrite after realizing the impact of her words.
Note: Contrite suggests a deep sense of guilt or remorse, often associated with seeking forgiveness or making amends.
apology
An apology is a statement expressing regret or asking pardon for a fault or offense.
Example: He offered a sincere apology for his mistake.
Note: While 'sorry' is a general expression of regret, 'apology' refers to a formal statement acknowledging fault and seeking forgiveness.
Sorry expressions, common phrases
I'm sorry
This is a common way to express regret or apology for something you have done or failed to do.
Example: I'm sorry for being late to our meeting.
Note: The phrase 'I'm sorry' directly expresses regret, while 'sorry' can be used in a more casual or informal context.
Apologize
To formally express regret or acknowledge a fault or offense.
Example: I apologize for my mistake.
Note: The word 'apologize' is a more formal and structured way of saying 'sorry'.
Excuse me
Used to politely ask for attention or forgiveness for a minor interruption or mistake.
Example: Excuse me, may I ask you a question?
Note: While 'excuse me' can be used in various situations, 'sorry' is more directly related to expressing regret.
Pardon me
Similar to 'excuse me', used to ask for forgiveness or attention in a polite manner.
Example: Pardon me, I didn't mean to bump into you.
Note: Like 'excuse me', 'pardon me' is more about seeking forgiveness or attention rather than expressing regret.
Forgive me
To ask for someone's pardon or understanding for a mistake or wrongdoing.
Example: Please forgive me for my thoughtless actions.
Note: While 'forgive me' is about seeking forgiveness, 'sorry' is more about expressing regret.
My bad
A colloquial way to admit fault or take responsibility for a mistake.
Example: My bad, I forgot to call you back.
Note: 'My bad' is more casual and informal compared to 'sorry', which is more universally recognized as an apology.
I owe you an apology
To acknowledge that you need to apologize to someone for something you did.
Example: I owe you an apology for my insensitive remarks.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the debt of an apology owed, making it more formal and serious than a simple 'sorry'.
Regretful
Expressing sorrow or disappointment over a situation or action.
Example: I feel regretful for causing you any inconvenience.
Note: While 'regretful' conveys a deeper sense of remorse, 'sorry' is a more general and immediate expression of apology.
Sorry everyday (slang) expressions
Oops
Used to acknowledge a mistake or accident.
Example: Oops, I dropped my phone.
Note: Less serious and more light-hearted than saying 'sorry'.
Whoops
Similar to 'Oops', used to show a minor mistake or error.
Example: Whoops, I accidentally sent that message to the wrong person.
Note: More informal and playful than the word 'sorry'.
My mistake
Taking ownership of an error or oversight that occurred.
Example: My mistake, I thought the meeting was at 3 pm.
Note: Less formal and more personal than saying 'I apologize'.
Sorry 'bout that
A casual way to express regret for a small inconvenience or mistake.
Example: Sorry 'bout that, I didn't mean to interrupt you.
Note: More colloquial and friendly than a traditional apology.
Woopsie
A playful and light-hearted way to acknowledge a mishap or accident.
Example: Woopsie, I spilled my coffee.
Note: Conveys a sense of humor and informality in comparison to 'sorry'.
My fault
Accepting blame or responsibility for an error or wrongdoing.
Example: My fault, I didn't follow up on that task.
Note: Less formal and more direct than saying 'I regret my mistake'.
Sorry - Examples
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.
Please forgive me, I made a mistake.
I feel deep regret for what I've done.
Sorry grammar
Sorry - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: sorry
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): sorrier
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): sorriest
Adjective (Adjective): sorry
Syllables, Separation and Stress
sorry Contains 2 syllables: sor • ry
Phonetic transcription: ˈsär-ē
sor ry , ˈsär ē (The red syllable is stressed)
Sorry - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
sorry: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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