ruefully

American  

[roo-fuh-lee] / ˈru fə li /

adverb

1. in a mournful or doleful way.

   I found myself sitting ruefully by the side of the road, near a little town in North Carolina, waiting for a tow truck.

2. in a way that suggests repentance or regret.

   He is aware of his own flaws, at times ruefully so.

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Other Word Forms

• half-ruefully adverb
• unruefully adverb

Etymology

Origin of ruefully

rueful ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

At the same time, she can’t help laughing at the irony of a deity who arranges things in such a ruefully comic way.

From Los Angeles Times

This last comment came from a fellow traveler, ruefully disclosing an act of self-defense many years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

“And to think I was invited back to demonstrate the accomplishments of a true Swanburne girl,” she thought ruefully.

From Literature

“It is just as well,” she thought ruefully, as she worked a fresh coat of Miss Mortimer’s poultice into her hair.

From Literature

As he stands in the rain, Mr Colton adds ruefully: "My gran thinks I'm mad."

From BBC