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Sardonic vs Rueful - What's the difference?

sardonic | rueful |

As adjectives the difference between sardonic and rueful

is that sardonic is scornfully mocking or cynical while rueful is causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow.

sardonic

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Scornfully mocking or cynical.
    • He distances himself from people with his nasty, sardonic laughter.
  • * Sir H. Wotton
    • strained, sardonic smiles
  • * Burke
    • the scornful, ferocious, sardonic grin of a bloody ruffian
  • Disdainfully or ironically humorous.

    • Related terms

    * Sardonian

    rueful

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow.
  • Inspiring pity or compassion.

    • Derived terms

    * rue-bargain * ruefully * ruefulness

    Related terms

    * rue