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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

sorry

/ˈsɑɹi/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:45
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What does sorry mean?

adjective

  1. Regretful or apologetic for one's actions.
  2. Grieved or saddened, especially by the loss of something or someone.
  3. Poor, pitifully sad or regrettable.
More meanings (9)

adjective

  1. Pathetic; contemptibly inadequate.

interjection

  1. Expresses regret, remorse, or sorrow.
  2. Said as a request to excuse one's unintentional behaviors.
  3. Said as a request to pass somebody.
  4. Used as a request for someone to repeat something not heard or understood clearly.
  5. Used to correct oneself in speech.
  6. Used as a hedge.

noun

  1. The act of saying sorry; an apology.

verb

  1. (rare) To feel sorry (for someone).

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈsɑɹi/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

“I’m awfully sorry,” he said in a bright, clear voice, with a rising inflection, as if he expected her to say something.
Willa CatherO Pioneers!Project Gutenberg ebook #24
“That’s just the same way they go on round me. I reckon he’s a goner. Don’t you feel sorry for him, sometimes?”
Mark TwainThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer, CompleteProject Gutenberg ebook #74
More book examples (3)
“I am deeply sorry to have been the cause of it. Could you tell her so for me, with my fervent acknowledgments?”
Charles DickensA Tale of Two CitiesProject Gutenberg ebook #98
“And indeed one is not sorry to go back,” said Mrs. Elliot, assuming an air of mournful anxiety, “after all this illness.”
Virginia WoolfThe Voyage OutProject Gutenberg ebook #144
"I can't tell, yet. But they shall have a chance at everything--every dollar, every cent. I'm sorry for you, Persis--and the girls."
William Dean HowellsThe Rise of Silas LaphamProject Gutenberg ebook #154