/ʁə.ɡʁɛ.te/
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Translation
to regret, to be sorry
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Word origin
From Old French regreter ('to lament, to mourn'). The first part is the prefix re-; the second is debated, often traced to a Germanic root meaning 'to weep' related to Old Norse grata.
- Origin
- Old French
- Root
- regreter
- English cognates
- regret
Other proposed origins
- Most often the second element is traced to a Germanic root, such as Old Norse grata ('to weep'). (grata)
- Some accounts instead derive it from a Latin source related to gritare or quiritare ('to cry out'). (quiritare)
Grammar
Conjugation
Regular -er conjugation. Pronouns: je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles.
Indicative
| Person | Present | Imperfect | Past historic | Future | Conditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| je | regrette | regrettais | regrettai | regretterai | regretterais |
| tu | regrettes | regrettais | regrettas | regretteras | regretterais |
| il/elle | regrette | regrettait | regretta | regrettera | regretterait |
| nous | regrettons | regrettions | regrettâmes | regretterons | regretterions |
| vous | regrettez | regrettiez | regrettâtes | regretterez | regretteriez |
| ils/elles | regrettent | regrettaient | regrettèrent | regretteront | regretteraient |
Subjunctive
| Person | Present | Imperfect |
|---|---|---|
| je | regrette | regrettasse |
| tu | regrettes | regrettasses |
| il/elle | regrette | regrettât |
| nous | regrettions | regrettassions |
| vous | regrettiez | regrettassiez |
| ils/elles | regrettent | regrettassent |
Imperative
| Person | Affirmative |
|---|---|
| tu | regrette |
| nous | regrettons |
| vous | regrettez |
Non-finite
- Gerund / present participle
- regrettant
- Past participle
- regretté · regrettée · regrettés · regrettées
Examples
.
I regret saying those words last night.
.
She regrets not having studied more.
.
You will regret this decision your whole life.
.
We are very sorry about your departure.
, .
He never regrets anything, that is his style.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
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French · Free printables
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Free printable study downloads for the French word "regretter" (to regret, to be sorry): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 13, lesson 12: regretter, grand-mère, spectacle and 4 more words.