Associations to the word «Rueful»

Wiktionary

RUEFUL, adjective. Causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow.
RUEFUL, adjective. Inspiring pity or compassion.

Dictionary definition

RUEFUL, adjective. Feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses.

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats