Contrite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contrite

[kənˈtrʌɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling remorseful

Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt. Often used to describe someone who is deeply sorry for their actions.

Synonyms

ashamed, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contrite	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
remorseful	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
penitent	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
regretful	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
repentant	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
ashamed	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

Examples of usage

He was contrite for his harsh words.
She looked contrite as she apologized for the mistake.
The contrite man sought forgiveness for his past deeds.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in religious context

A person who feels or expresses remorse or penitence; someone who is sorry for their sins or wrongdoings.

Synonyms

penitent, remorseful, repentant, sorrowful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contrite	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.
penitent	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.
repentant	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.
remorseful	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.
sorrowful	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.

Examples of usage

The contrite prayed for forgiveness.
She was seen as a contrite seeking redemption.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'contrite'

The word 'contrite' originated from the Latin word 'contritus', which means 'ground to pieces' or 'worn out'. In religious contexts, contrite has been used to describe the state of feeling remorse for sins or wrongdoings. The concept of contrition has been a significant aspect of various religious traditions, emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness and expressing sincere regret for one's actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,365, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24362 dedicating
24363 twinge
24364 pounce
24365 contrite
24366 remodel
24367 prioritized
24368 searcher
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