contrition

American  

[kuhn-trish-uhn] / kənˈtrɪʃ ən /

noun

1. sincere penitence or remorse.

   Synonyms:

   regret , compunction

2. Theology.  sorrow for and detestation of sin with a true purpose of amendment, arising from a love of God for His own perfections perfect contrition, or from some inferior motive, as fear of divine punishment imperfect contrition.

---

contrition British  

/ kənˈtrɪʃən /

noun

1. deeply felt remorse; penitence

2. Christianity detestation of past sins and a resolve to make amends, either from love of God ( perfect contrition ) or from hope of heaven ( imperfect contrition )

---

Etymology

Origin of contrition

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English contricio(u)n, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin contrītiōn-, stem of contrītiō “grief,” literally, “a wearing down”; equivalent to contrite + -ion

Example Sentences

And the old political playbook — confession, contrition, capitulation — is obviously no longer operative, as candidates find it not only possible but even advantageous to brazen their way through storms of uproar and opprobrium.

From Los Angeles Times

But what was less clear is whether the party needs to show more contrition about how they arrived at such a low point.

From BBC

The mitigation is meant for those who show contrition or really were unjustly convicted.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart said Andrew "should show some contrition by returning every penny of rent that he's not paid while disgracing his office".

From BBC

But it was in a statement that showed little contrition and emphasised his innocence.

From BBC

Related Words

• humiliation
• penance
• penitence
• remorse
• repentance
• sorrow