sorry
UK: ˈsɒri | US: ˈsɑːri
adj. feeling regret, sympathy, or sadness (e.g., "I'm sorry for your loss.")
adj. poor in quality or condition (e.g., "a sorry excuse")
interj. used to express apology or polite disagreement (e.g., "Sorry, I can't attend.")
sorry = sor<sorrow> + ry<adjective suffix>
- sor<sorrow>: From Old English sārig, meaning "distressed, grieved."
- ry<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "sorry" traces back to Old English sārig, derived from sār (pain, grief). Over time, it evolved from describing physical pain to emotional distress, eventually specializing in expressions of regret or apology. The suffix -ry (or -y) solidified its role as an adjective. The dual meanings—emotional regret and poor quality—reflect how grief can metaphorically imply inadequacy (e.g., "a sorry state").
She felt deeply sorry for her mistake.
He gave a sorry performance in the play.
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt," she whispered.
The garden was in a sorry condition after the storm.
They exchanged sorry glances after the argument.