Crossword Genius

Reportedly regretted being impolite (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rude

'impolite' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'reportedly regretted' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'regretted' becomes 'rued' ('rue' can be a synonym of 'regret').
'rued' sounds like 'RUDE'.

'being' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for rude that I've seen before include "Discourteous or unrefined" , "Coarse, unpolished" , "Coarse or discourteous" , "having no manners?" , "so curt here?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian, The Irish Times and The Mirror.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.