ruefully
UK: ˈruːfəli | US: ˈruːfəli
adv. in a manner expressing sorrow or regret
adv. with a sense of remorse or pity
The word "ruefully" derives from the Middle English "rewful," combining "rue" (from Old English "hrēow," meaning sorrow or regret) and the suffix "-ful" (indicating fullness of a quality). The adverb suffix "-ly" was later added to form the modern term. The root "rue" originally conveyed physical pain but evolved to signify emotional regret, reflecting a shift from tangible to abstract suffering.
She smiled ruefully after realizing her mistake.
He shook his head ruefully at the missed opportunity.
The old man sighed ruefully while recounting his past.
"I should have listened," she said ruefully.
The team laughed ruefully at their narrow defeat.