2. Expressing sorrow. ``Rueful faces.'' --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
Two rueful figures, with long black cloaks. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster] -- {Rue"ful*ly}, adv. -- {Rue"ful*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
ruefully — early 13c., reufulike; see RUEFUL (Cf. rueful) + LY (Cf. ly) (2) … Etymology dictionary
ruefully — adverb In a rueful manner; causing, feeling or expressing regret or sorrow. He smiled ruefully at me … Wiktionary
ruefully — adv. Ruefully is used with these verbs: ↑grin, ↑laugh, ↑note, ↑reflect, ↑remark, ↑shake, ↑smile, ↑think … Collocations dictionary
ruefully — rueful ► ADJECTIVE ▪ expressing regret, especially in a wry or humorous way. DERIVATIVES ruefully adverb ruefulness noun … English terms dictionary
ruefully — adverb in a rueful manner (Freq. 2) I made a big mistake, he said ruefully • Syn: ↑contritely, ↑remorsefully • Derived from adjective: ↑remorseful (for: ↑remorseful … Useful english dictionary
ruefully adv — 1) I can t eat any more of this bitter herb, said Tom ruefully. 2) What s the name of that street in Paris? asked Tom ruefully … English expressions
ruefully — adverb see rueful … New Collegiate Dictionary
ruefully — See rueful. * * * … Universalium
ruefully — adv. mournfully, regretfully, sadly; pitiably, deplorably … English contemporary dictionary
ruefully — rue·ful·ly … English syllables
