Contrite: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone feels genuinely sorry for having done something wrong and wants to make it right.

• He offered a contrite apology for his mistake
• She felt deeply contrite after hurting her friend's feelings

Use when someone deeply regrets their actions and feels intense guilt, often accompanied by a desire to make amends.

• He was remorseful for the harm he caused
• She felt remorseful after realizing the impact of her words

Use in more formal or religious contexts where someone feels sorrow and seeks forgiveness for their sins or wrongdoings.

• The penitent man prayed for forgiveness
• She was penitent for her past mistakes during confession

Use when someone feels sorrow or remorse about something they did or failed to do, typically in a more general sense.

• He was regretful for not taking the job offer
• She felt regretful about the argument they had

Use in primarily religious or moral contexts where someone acknowledges their wrongdoing and desires to change for the better.

• He was repentant for his sins and vowed to change his ways
• She wrote a repentant letter asking for forgiveness

Use when someone feels embarrassed or guilty about something they have done wrong or a personal inadequacy.

• He felt ashamed of his behavior at the party
• She was ashamed to admit she had lied

Used when a person feels deep regret and guilt for a wrongdoing. This word often implies a sincere and heartfelt emotion.

• He offered a contrite apology for his harsh words.
• She looked contrite after realizing the impact of her actions.

Often used in a religious or formal context where a person shows regret and seeks forgiveness for their sins or wrongdoings.

• The penitent thief asked for mercy and forgiveness.
• As a penitent sinner, he spent days praying in the church.

Used when an individual expresses a sincere desire to change their behavior after acknowledging their mistakes, often in a moral or ethical context.

• He was repentant for his mistakes and promised to make amends.
• The repentant student apologized for cheating on the test.

Employed when someone feels deeply sorry for something wrong they have done, often with a strong sense of responsibility.

• She was remorseful after the argument, recognizing she had been unfair.
• The criminal was visibly remorseful as he faced his victims.

Used in a broader context to describe a general feeling of deep sadness or grief, which may or may not be related to guilt or wrongdoing.

• She gave him a sorrowful look, unable to hide her tears.
• The sorrowful news of his death affected the whole community.