Contrition: meaning, definitions and examples
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contrition
[kənˈtrɪʃ(ə)n ]
Definition
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| contrition |
Feeling of sincere remorse and deep regret, often expressed in a religious or formal setting.
|
| remorse |
A strong feeling of guilt and regret for a wrong action, often with a sense of emotional pain.
|
| repentance |
The action of feeling sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin, often with a commitment to change behavior.
|
| regret |
A feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done, typically less intense than remorse.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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 others’ 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.
Translations
Translations of the word "contrition" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contrição
🇮🇳 पश्चाताप
🇩🇪 Reue
🇮🇩 penyesalan
🇺🇦 покаяння
🇵🇱 skrucha
🇯🇵 悔い改め (くいあらため)
🇫🇷 contrition
🇪🇸 contrición
🇹🇷 pişmanlık
🇰🇷 후회 (huhoe)
🇸🇦 ندم (nadam)
🇨🇿 pokání
🇸🇰 pokánie
🇨🇳 悔改 (huǐgǎi)
🇸🇮 pokora
🇮🇸 iðrun
🇰🇿 өкініш
🇬🇪 მონანიება (monanieba)
🇦🇿 peşmançılıq
🇲🇽 contrición