RUEFULLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does ruefully mean? 

• RUEFULLY (adverb)
  The adverb RUEFULLY has 1 sense:

1. in a rueful manner

  Familiarity information: RUEFULLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• RUEFULLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a rueful manner

Synonyms:

contritely; remorsefully; ruefully

Context example:

'I made a big mistake,' he said ruefully

Pertainym:

rueful (feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses)

 Context examples 

“But how about our investigation in London?” asked Phelps, ruefully.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather ruefully.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Why, Peggotty!” I said, ruefully, “isn't she come home?”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

The unfortunate limner had been sitting up rubbing himself ruefully and staring about with a vacant gaze, which showed that he knew neither where he was nor what had occurred to him.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Don’t you dare ever to ask my leave to fight again, Jack Harrison,” said his wife, as she looked ruefully at his battered face.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I was still looking rather ruefully after the rapidly disappearing luggage-van which contained my wardrobe, when Holmes pulled my sleeve and pointed up the line.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“It looks like it,” said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the corner.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

At last, when he was almost out of breath, she suddenly threw herself down upon a mossy bank, between two holly-bushes, and looked ruefully at her own dripping feet and bedraggled skirt.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Sometimes, with a snap and a thud, one axle would come to the ground, whilst a wheel reeled off amidst the tussocks of heather, and roars of delight greeted the owners as they looked ruefully at the ruin.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Well, said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return once more to London, it has been a pretty business for me!

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)