Contrition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contrition

[kษ™nหˆtrษชสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of remorse

Contrition is the feeling of guilt or remorse for a wrongdoing. It involves a sincere acknowledgment of one's mistakes and a desire to make amends.

Synonyms

regret, remorse, repentance.

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Word Description / Examples
contrition

Feeling of sincere remorse and deep regret, often expressed in a religious or formal setting.

  • The priest emphasized the importance of genuine contrition for absolution
  • Her contrition was evident in her tearful apology
remorse

A strong feeling of guilt and regret for a wrong action, often with a sense of emotional pain.

  • He felt deep remorse after realizing the impact of his actions on his friends
  • She couldn't sleep because of the remorse weighing on her mind
repentance

The action of feeling sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin, often with a commitment to change behavior.

  • His repentance was clear through his charitable work and humble attitude
  • She sought repentance for her mistakes and vowed to lead a better life
regret

A feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done, typically less intense than remorse.

  • I regret eating that extra slice of cake
  • She expressed regret over missing the meeting

Examples of usage

  • I could see the contrition in his eyes as he apologized for his actions.
  • She expressed her contrition by making a heartfelt apology to those she had hurt.
  • His contrition was evident in the way he took responsibility for his mistakes.
  • Their contrition led them to seek forgiveness and try to right their wrongs.
  • The priest advised him to show contrition for his sins and seek redemption.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research in psychology shows that genuine feelings of remorse can lead to personal growth and improved relationships.
  • Contrition can trigger a response in the brain related to empathy, helping us connect with othersโ€™ feelings when we understand our mistakes.

Religion

  • In many religious contexts, contrition is considered essential for forgiveness, encouraging individuals to reflect on their actions and seek redemption.
  • Within Christianity, contrition includes being truly sorrowful for sin and is often associated with confession and reconciliation.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore themes of contrition by showcasing characters who feel deep regret, which drives their transformation and redemption.
  • Classic novels like 'Crime and Punishment' delve into the protagonist's journey of guilt and the pursuit of remorse, highlighting the complexity of human emotions.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies frequently depict characters struggling with contrition, eliciting audience empathy and illustrating the human condition.
  • Popular artists like Taylor Swift explore themes of regret and apology in their lyrics, resonating with fans who relate to feelings of contrition.

Origin of 'contrition'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'contritio', which means 'to crush' or 'to grind down', reflecting the feeling of being broken-hearted over a mistake.
  • First used in English in the 14th century, the term has evolved through various religious texts, emphasizing sorrow for sins.

The word 'contrition' comes from the Latin word 'contritus', which means 'crushed' or 'ground to pieces'. In the religious context, contrition refers to the act of repenting for one's sins. The concept of contrition has been a significant aspect of various religious traditions and moral teachings throughout history, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's mistakes and seeking forgiveness.


See also: contrite, contritely.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,469, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.