Contritely: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone shows sincere remorse or guilt, often in a humble and apologetic manner.

• She spoke contritely about her past mistakes, hoping for forgiveness

Best used when someone is deeply sorry for a wrongdoing and feels a strong sense of guilt and distress about their actions.

• The criminal spoke remorsefully about the pain he had caused the victims' families

Use in situations where someone shows regret or sadness about something that has happened, but it doesn't necessarily imply a deep sense of guilt.

• She regretfully announced that she could not attend the wedding

This word is appropriate in situations where someone is showing regret for having done something wrong and is seeking repentance. It often has a religious connotation.

• He kneeled penitently, asking for God's forgiveness during the service

Used when someone feels deeply sorry for a wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness. It emphasizes a heartfelt and sincere desire to make amends.

• He apologized contritely for his mistakes.
• She spoke contritely, her eyes filled with tears of genuine remorse.

Used to express a deep sense of guilt or regret for a wrong action, emphasizing an emotional weight and often accompanied by a desire to make amends.

• The man spoke remorsefully about his past decisions.
• She wrote a remorseful letter apologizing for her behavior.

Describes a feeling of sorrow or disappointment, often because of a specific decision or situation. It can be used in less intense contexts compared to 'contritely' or 'penitently'.

• She regretfully declined the offer.
• He looked regretfully at the broken vase.

Also used to describe a sincere feeling of regret or guilt, especially in a religious context where someone seeks absolution for their sins.

• The sinner prayed penitently, hoping for redemption.
• He approached the altar penitently, asking for forgiveness.