I'm sorry
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/aɪm ˈsɑri/
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An expression of apology, sympathy, or a polite refusal.
Examples
When she heard about the accident, she said, "I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry I am late," he said.
"I'm sorry, we have no rooms left," the clerk said.
I'm sorry, but I do not agree.
"I'm sorry," she said after stepping on his foot.
Similar words
I am afraid
I am sorry to hear that
I apologize
Meanings
Examples
I'm sorry I broke your cup.
"I'm sorry I am late," he said.
I'm sorry for making so much noise.
I forgot your birthday. I'm sorry.
"I'm sorry," she said after stepping on his foot.
Examples
I'm sorry to hear that you are ill.
"My dog died." "I'm sorry."
I'm sorry you had such a hard day.
When she heard about the accident, she said, "I'm sorry."
I'm sorry your trip was canceled.
Examples
I'm sorry, but I cannot help today.
"I'm sorry, we have no rooms left," the clerk said.
I'm sorry, but I do not agree.
"I'm sorry, that seat is taken."
I'm sorry, but the shop is closed.
Etymology
I’m is I am and sorry expresses regret or sympathy. Together they tell another person how the speaker feels.
FAQ
What does I'm sorry mean after a mistake?
Can I'm sorry show sympathy?
Yes. It can respond kindly to someone else’s bad news.
Why say I'm sorry before no?
It makes a refusal or disagreement sound more polite.
Is I'm sorry only for serious problems?
No. People use it for small mistakes too.
How is I'm sorry different from excuse me?
I'm sorry can express regret or sympathy. Excuse me often gets attention or excuses a small interruption.
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