to-experience-a-pang-of-remorse
/tə ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns ə pæŋ əv rɪˈmɔːs/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To feel a sudden, brief, and sharp feeling of guilt for something you did. It often sounds more vivid and literary than simply saying you feel sorry.
- She experienced a pang of remorse after the argument.
- I felt a pang of remorse when I saw his face.
- He experienced a pang of remorse, but said nothing.
Adinary Nuance
This phrase is stronger and more specific than regret. Regret can mean sadness about any bad result, but a pang of remorse means a quick, painful feeling of guilt about your own action. It is also more emotional than sorry, which is more common in everyday speech. Writers choose this phrase when they want a serious, reflective tone.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Nỗi hối hận chợt đến
- Spanish
- Arrepentimiento repentino
- Chinese
- 突然的悔意
- Japanese
- 突然の後悔
- Korean
- 갑작스러운 후회
Etymology
This expression uses "pang," an Old English word for a sudden pain, and "remorse," from Old French and Latin. It became common in written English as a vivid way to describe guilt.
Common phrases
a pang of remorsefeel a pang of remorsebe filled with remorsea sudden pang of remorse
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "a pang of remorse" formal or informal?
- It is more formal and literary than everyday speech.
- What is the difference between remorse and regret?
- Remorse is guilt about a wrong action. Regret is broader and can mean simple disappointment.
- Can I say "I had a pang of remorse"?
- Yes. It sounds natural in writing and spoken English, especially in serious contexts.
- Is this phrase common in business English?
- No, it is not common in business writing. People usually say "I regret" or "I am sorry."