Ruefully - Definition, Meaning Synonyms | Vocabulary. com The origin of the word ruefully is a Germanic word that means “repentance ” But over time the word has adopted a slightly humorous tone, so you can go ahead and shake your head ruefully at your friend who has just put his boot on the wrong foot — you feel a little bit sorry for him at the moment
Ruefully - definition of ruefully by The Free Dictionary Define ruefully ruefully synonyms, ruefully pronunciation, ruefully translation, English dictionary definition of ruefully adj Causing, feeling, or expressing sorrow or regret: "He gave the young officer the rueful look of a father exasperated with his misbehaving son"
ruefully - Wiktionary, the free dictionary ruefully (comparative more ruefully, superlative most ruefully) or expressing regret or sorrow He smiled ruefully at me He pushed his straw hat back, scratched his head, and laughed ruefully