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act of contrition

British  

noun

  1. Christianity a short prayer of penitence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The work is an act of contrition for mistakes he initially made and a deeply felt caution to all who report and read breaking news.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

“Ultimately, actions will speak louder than words but this initial act of contrition is welcome.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2023

In the beginning of “Scarred,” Edmondson suggests that telling her story is an act of contrition.

From New York Times • Sep. 17, 2019

His 2017 album 4:44 was assumed to be an act of contrition.

From The Guardian • Mar. 28, 2018

He made his act of contrition and listened as Father Mulrooney gave his sacramental absolution.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

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