verb

regretter

regret

C'est quand on se sent triste ou désolé parce qu'on aurait voulu faire ou ne pas faire quelque chose.

Regretter is a French verb that means "to regret" in English. It refers to feeling sad, sorry, or disappointed about something that has happened or not happened, often because one wishes it had been different.

Meaning:

To feel regret: Expressing sorrow or remorse over some action, decision, event, or circumstance.
Example: Je regrette d'avoir dit ça. – I regret having said that.

Parts of the word:

re-: A prefix often meaning "again" or "back," but here it does not carry a strong modificatory effect on the root.
-gretter: Root relating to regret or sorrow.

Note: Although regretter is related formally to the noun regret, the verb form carries the active sentiment of feeling regret.

Synonyms:

déplorer – to deplore
s'excuser (in certain contexts, when expressing regret over a mistake)
avoir des remords – to have remorse
se repentir – to repent (more in a moral/sin context)

Antonyms:

se réjouir – to rejoice, to be glad
être satisfait – to be satisfied
ignorer – to ignore – in terms of not feeling regret or not acknowledging a negative feeling

Usage notes:

Regretter is a regular -er verb.
It can also be directly followed by a noun or by an infinitive verb depending on context:
- Je regrette mon choix. (I regret my choice.)
- Je regrette d'être venu. (I regret having come.)

In summary, regretter is the common French verb to express the feeling of regret or remorse about something.