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rue

verb
\ ˈrü How to pronounce rue (audio) \
rued; ruing

Definition of rue

 (Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

: to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for

intransitive verb

: to feel sorrow, remorse, or regret

rue

noun (1)

Definition of rue (Entry 2 of 3)

: regret, sorrow with rue my heart is laden— A. E. Housman

rue

noun (2)

Definition of rue (Entry 3 of 3)

: a European strong-scented perennial woody herb (Ruta graveolens of the family Rutaceae, the rue family) that has bitter leaves used medicinally
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about rue

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Synonyms for rue

Synonyms: Verb

bemoan, deplore, lament, regret, repent

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Did You Know?

Noun (1)

If you remember your high school French, or if you've ever strolled down the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, you may have the notion that the English word rue is somehow connected to the French word for "street." In actuality, the French and English words are not related at all. The English rue is originally from the Old English word hrēow, meaning "sorrow." Used as both a noun and, more frequently, a verb, rue is very old, dating back to before the 12th century.

Examples of rue in a Sentence

Verb

 He must be ruing his decision now. I rue the day I agreed to this stupid plan.

First Known Use of rue

Verb

12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rue

Noun (1)

Middle English rewe, from Old English hrēow; akin to Old High German hriuwa sorrow

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ruta, from Greek rhytē

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More Definitions for rue

rue

verb
How to pronounce rue (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of rue

formal : to feel sorrow or regret for (something)

See the full definition for rue in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rue

verb
\ ˈrü How to pronounce rue (audio) \
rued; ruing

Kids Definition of rue

: to feel sorrow or regret for You'll rue the day you crossed me.

rue

noun
\ ˈrü How to pronounce rue (audio) \

Medical Definition of rue

: a strong-scented perennial woody herb (Ruta graveolens of the family Rutaceae, the rue family) that has bitter leaves used in medicine

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More from Merriam-Webster on rue

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rue

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rue

Spanish Central: Translation of rue

Nglish: Translation of rue for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rue for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rue

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