How Do You Spell RUEFULLY?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈuːfəlɪ] (IPA)

Ruefully is a word that can be tricky to spell for some. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈruːfəli/. The first part of the word, "rue," is pronounced as "roo," similar to the word "kangaroo." The second part, "-ful," sounds like "full." An additional "l" is added to indicate the adverb form. Ruefully means feeling or showing sorrow or regret. Taking the time to understand the phonetic spelling of this word can help with proper usage and spelling in writing.

RUEFULLY Meaning and Definition

  1. Ruefully is an adverb used to describe an action, facial expression, or tone of voice that conveys a sense of regret, sorrow, or disappointment. The term is derived from the verb "rue," which means to feel remorse or regret for something. When someone behaves or speaks ruefully, they are expressing their remorse or sadness regarding a particular circumstance.

    In appearance, a rueful expression may involve furrowed eyebrows, a downturned mouth, or a pained look in the eyes. It showcases a tangible display of regret or disappointment, reflecting the inner emotions of an individual.

    Moreover, ruefully also pertains to the tone of voice adopted when expressing regret. It often manifests as a somber, sad, or apologetic tone. This vocalization helps to effectively communicate feelings of remorse, allowing others to understand the level of sorrow or disappointment being expressed.

    The use of ruefully can occur in various settings, such as personal interactions, literature, and storytelling. It helps to add depth and emotion to a situation, enabling a fuller comprehension of a character's thoughts and feelings. Overall, ruefully encapsulates a regretful or mournful sentiment that can be observed either through a person's actions, facial expressions, or tone of voice.

  2. Mournfully; sorrowfully.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for RUEFULLY

Etymology of RUEFULLY

The word "ruefully" originated from the Old English word "hrēowfullīce". This Old English term combines "hrēow" meaning "sorrowful" or "penitent" with "-ful" which is a suffix used to form adjectives indicating "having the qualities of". Over time, "hrēowfullīce" evolved into "rewfulli" in Middle English, and eventually transformed into the modern form of "ruefully". The term "ruefully" is typically used to describe an expression of regret or sorrow.

Similar spelling words for RUEFULLY

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