regretfully crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "regretfully crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "regretfully crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ALAS: An exclamation of regret or sorrow, often used to express disappointment at an unavoidable situation.
5 Letters
SADLY: In a sorrowful or regretful manner; feeling or showing sorrow or unhappiness.
6 Letters
SORELY: To a severe or intense degree, often implying regret, disappointment, or suffering (e.g., "sorely missed").
8 Letters
WOEFULLY: In a manner full of woe or deep distress; lamentably or deplorably.
More About "regretfully crossword clue"
The clue "regretfully" points towards words that express a feeling of sorrow, disappointment, or remorse. In crosswords, these often manifest as adverbs describing how an action is performed, or interjections that convey immediate regret. The context of the surrounding words in your puzzle is crucial for determining the exact length and best fit for the answer.
Words like ALAS, SADLY, and SORELY are common because they are concise yet directly convey the sentiment. WOEFULLY offers a more intense and dramatic expression of regret. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you not only solve this specific clue but also anticipate similar ones in future puzzles.
Often, "regretfully" clues appear in puzzles when the answer is an adverb. Pay attention to whether the clue implies a feeling (like "sadly") or a more formal expression of regret (like "alas"). Crossword constructors often play on these subtle differences.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: "Regretfully" is an adverb. This means the answer is likely an adverb, ending in -LY, or an interjection that functions similarly. Always consider the grammatical role of the clue.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from crossing words, use them to narrow down the possibilities. For "regretfully," knowing the second or third letter can quickly point you to SADLY or SORELY.
- Consider Common Crossword Words: Many common crossword puzzles reuse certain words. Words like ALAS are very frequent answers for clues related to regret or sorrow due to their short length and common usage.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorming synonyms for "regretfully" can lead you to the correct answer. Also, thinking of antonyms might sometimes indirectly help clarify the meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'regretfully' mean in a crossword context?
In a crossword context, 'regretfully' typically implies an adverb or an interjection that conveys a feeling of sorrow, disappointment, or remorse. It asks for a word that describes an action or statement made with regret.
Why are some answers for 'regretfully' very short, like ALAS?
ALAS is a common interjection directly expressing regret or sorrow. While not an adverb ending in -ly, its meaning aligns perfectly with 'regretfully' and its brevity makes it a frequent crossword answer when a short word is needed.
Can 'unhappily' be an answer for 'regretfully'?
While 'unhappily' is close in meaning, it usually implies a general state of unhappiness rather than specific remorse or regret. Crossword clues are precise; 'regretfully' specifically focuses on the feeling of having wished something had not happened or had been different. However, in some contexts, it could be a stretch synonym if letter count forces it.