rue
What does "rue" mean?
To "rue" something means to feel bitter regret, sorrow, or remorse about a past action or event. Imagine standing over a decision you made long ago, looking back with a heavy heart and wishing you could undo the consequences that have since unfolded. While "regret" is a common, everyday term, "rue" carries a more dramatic, almost poetic weight. It is frequently used in the phrase "rue the day," which emphasizes a deep-seated, lasting sense of despair regarding a specific moment in time. Because of this, it is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation and is more common in literature or formal speech.
"rue" in conversation
Discussing a bad investment
I put all my savings into that start-up, and now it's gone.
I put all my savings into that start-up, and now it's gone.
I think you'll rue the day you ignored the financial advisor's warning.
I think you'll rue the day you ignored the financial advisor's warning.
Used here to emphasize the gravity of a life-altering mistake.
A warning in a movie
You should have stayed away when you had the chance.
You should have stayed away when you had the chance.
I don't fear you.
I don't fear you.
You will rue your arrogance soon enough.
You will rue your arrogance soon enough.
The word adds a sense of theatrical menace to the threat.
"rue" in a sentence
She will rue her decision to quit school.
She will rue her decision to quit school.
Many people rue the day they signed that unfair contract.
Many people rue the day they signed that unfair contract.
He lived to rue the rash actions of his youth, which haunted him until his final days.
He lived to rue the rash actions of his youth, which haunted him until his final days.
