remorseful
/rɪˈmɔːrsfəl/
adjective
Origin
Latin
remordere — to bite back
Overview
Meaning Now
- Filled with deep regret or guilt for a past wrong or sin.
- Showing or expressing sorrow for one's actions.
Literal older meaning
full of biting back (of conscience)
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
remorsefull
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The concept of 'remorse' was originally metaphorical, likening the sting of conscience to the physical act of being bitten. In medieval thought, the conscience was often personified as an entity that could 'gnaw' or 'bite' the soul after a transgression.
Evolution
- Latin
remordere
“to bite back, to torment”
Composed of re- (back) and mordere (to bite).
- Old French
remors
“remorse”
Noun form describing the gnawing of conscience.
- Middle English
remors
“regret, compunction”
Borrowed from Old French.
- Early Modern English
remorseful
“full of regret”
Addition of the suffix -ful.
Connections
Word parts
remorse
root
deep regret
-ful
suffix
characterized by
Related across languages
French
remords
remorse
Spanish
remordimiento
remorse
Italian
rimorso
remorse
Explore next
Related to remorseful
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.