sorry

Everyday

1. Feeling sad or bad because you did something wrong: "I'm sorry I broke it." tree →
2. Feeling sad for someone else: "I'm sorry your cat is ill." tree →
3. Used to say politely that you didn't hear: "Sorry?" tree →
4. Used to say no politely or ask to pass: "Sorry, excuse me." tree →
5. Poor, sad-looking: "a sorry sight". tree →

In the lessons

In manners and feelings: saying sorry and meaning it helps fix hurt feelings; a good apology says what you did and how you will make it right. Phrases: say sorry, feel sorry for, sorry about, sorry to hear, better safe than sorry.

Examples

• I'm sorry I was late. tree →
• Say sorry to your sister. tree →
• I feel sorry for the lost dog. tree →
• Sorry, could you say that again? tree →
• I'm sorry to hear you are ill. tree →
• Sorry, can I get past? tree →
• Better safe than sorry. tree →
• The wet kitten was a sorry sight. tree →
• “I feel very sorry for you. tree →

Note

"Sorry about" a thing; "sorry for" doing something or for a person. Canadians and British people say "sorry" very often, even just to be polite. Saying sorry doesn't always fix things; actions matter too.

In Jewish tradition

In Job it means poor or wretched, as in "sorry comforters." It does not mean they were apologizing.

Interpretation. Job's complaint about his friends teaches that bad comfort can hurt more than silence.

Examples

• I have heard many such things; sorry comforters are ye all. (Writings JOB.16.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

"Sorry about" a thing; "sorry for" doing something or for a person. Canadians and British people say "sorry" very often, even just to be polite. Saying sorry doesn't always fix things; actions matter too.