Definition of ruefully in English:
ruefully
adverb ˈruːf(ə)liˈruːfʊliˈrufəli
In a way that expresses sorrow or regret, especially in a wry or humorous manner.
the actor ruefully remarked that you are only as good as your last film
Example sentencesExamples
- In his most famous stage work, he took a ruefully affectionate voyage around his father.
- Those stairs must have been a little more challenging than I thought, he ruefully admitted to himself.
- Obligation, she ruefully reflected, was a flimsy basis for creativity.
- He ruefully admitted that the great league in the country where the sport was born may no longer be "the gold standard" of hoops.
- In a recent song, he ruefully concedes that his fans prefer the Shady persona.
- Last year, a rep of the phone company ruefully admitted it was stretching the truth.
- Common sense rarely rules markets—as money managers ruefully admit.
- Those who have crossed him describe the experience ruefully.
- Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan, the president ruefully noted after the Cuban fiasco.
- Of course, he adds ruefully, it took him another eight months to get his head back together.