désolée

Désolée is a French word commonly used to express regret or apology. It translates to "sorry" in English. The word is the feminine form of the adjective "désolé." When a male speaker or writer expresses regret, they would use "désolé." Both forms are used in various contexts, from minor inconveniences to more significant apologies.

The usage of "désolée" can range from a simple acknowledgement of a mistake to a more formal expression of sympathy or regret. For example, one might say "Je suis désolée" (I am sorry) if they are late for an appointment or if they have unintentionally caused someone distress. In some situations, it can also be used to express sympathy, similar to saying "I'm sorry to hear that."

The grammatical gender agreement is a key aspect of its use. While "désolé" is used by males, "désolée" is the form used by females. This distinction is important in formal written French and when speaking with an awareness of grammatical gender. The plural forms are "désolés" for a group of males or a mixed-gender group, and "désolées" for a group of females. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate and appropriate communication in French.