contrition

[ kuhn-trish-uhn ]

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

/ 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrition¹

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

Scalise offered his contrition that he had made a mistake and apologized for appearing before a group some 12 years ago.

From The Daily Beast

Christie ended up settling and publishing a letter of contrition in the newspapers.

From The Daily Beast

Still, given the disaster her earlier attempts at contrition were, this appearance seems to have done wonders for her.

From The Daily Beast

Musharraf was still posting updates on Facebook and not showing the contrition expected of a man in his position.

From The Daily Beast

But surely we are entitled to a measure of humility and contrition from the Erdogans of this world—or at least their silence.

From The Daily Beast

His whilom arrogance was all fallen from him; he wore instead an air of extreme contrition.

From Project Gutenberg

But she could scarcely see, and Gwynne with a contrition he had no intention of displaying offered to control the launch.

From Project Gutenberg

Harry was dismayed at his sister's condition, but the injustice of the wholesale reproach chased away contrition.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Naylor made no reply to this, but vexedly cut off a sound rose, which she hastily picked up and regarded with contrition.

From Project Gutenberg

Then she caught sight of his eyes, and leaned forward in sudden contrition.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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