词性：adj.
音标： [rɪˈmɔrs]
释义： a feeling of deep regret
Synonyms: contriteness, contrition, guilt, penitence, regret, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame
Remorse, a noun, is what you feel if you regret your actions or wish for another outcome.
The noun remorse has a very vivid origin. It comes from the Latin roots re for “again” and mordere “to bite.” So, if you feel remorse, it means that your conscience is working on you, your past actions are biting you back, and making you feel very regretful. Synonyms for this word are “penitence,” “rue,” and “contrition.” If you took a cookie from the cookie jar and ate it you can’t return it; all you can feel is remorse for what you did!
How is the word remorse distinct from other similar nouns?
Some common synonyms of remorse are compunction, contrition, penitence, and repentance. While all these words mean “regret for sin or wrongdoing,” remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.
thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse
When is compunction a more appropriate choice than remorse?
While in some cases nearly identical to remorse, compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.
had no compunctions about taking back what is mine
When is it sensible to use contrition instead of remorse?
The words contrition and remorse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.
tearful expressions of contrition
When would penitence be a good substitute for remorse?
The synonyms penitence and remorse are sometimes interchangeable, but penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one’s misdeeds.
absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence
When might repentance be a better fit than remorse?
The words repentance and remorse can be used in similar contexts, but repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.
repentance accompanied by a complete change of character