contrite
caused by or showing sincere remorse.
filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent: a contrite sinner.
Origin of contrite
1Other words for contrite
Other words from contrite
- con·trite·ly, adverb
- con·trite·ness, noun
- o·ver·con·trite, adjective
- o·ver·con·trite·ly, adverb
- o·ver·con·trite·ness, noun
- un·con·trite, adjective
Words Nearby contrite
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use contrite in a sentence
Now in his 40s, Joseph is not just contrite, but also, by all accounts, reformed.
PBS's Fascinating Philly D.A. Poses a Crucial, Timely Question: Can Our Broken Criminal Justice System Really Be Fixed? | Judy Berman | April 20, 2021 | TimeYarrow told me that the past outcries have prompted him to become more introspective, contrite, and make a concerted effort to model better behavior.
After further reflection, and no doubt pressure from parents, Olsen issued a more contrite statement on Facebook.
The Schools That Starve Students to Punish Deadbeat Parents | Brandy Zadrozny | January 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut let's put partisan spin aside and accept Christie's contrite denials of personal knowledge at face value.
Why 'Bridgegate' Will Make or Break Chris Christie | John Avlon | January 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd, while contrite, she very coolly shrugged her shoulders over the whole thing.
Is Reese Witherspoon’s Drunken Arrest the Best Thing to Happen to Her Career? | Kevin Fallon | May 3, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He is unfailingly polite and contrite, still slightly awkward with the artifice of campaigning after all these years.
South Carolina Street Fight in First District Congressional Primary | John Avlon | March 18, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTIs he going to be contrite in the way that some people would like him to be contrite?
Charlie Sheen: Anger Management on FX, DirecTV, Fiat | Maria Elena Fernandez | July 23, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTBut to whom shall I have respect, but to him that is poor and little, and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my words?
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various"These must be the legacy to our children," was the reply, in a grave and almost contrite tone.
That we may find thy mercy: nevertheless, in a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be accepted.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | VariousShe stood now before Kitty of "a humble and a contrite heart," and made no reply at all to the implied challenge.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete | Gilbert ParkerI ought to add that he has tried to make reparation, and is apparently contrite to the limit of his penitential capacity.
The Letters of Ambrose Bierce | Ambrose Bierce
British Dictionary definitions for contrite
/ (kənˈtraɪt, ˈkɒntraɪt) /
full of guilt or regret; remorseful
arising from a sense of shame or guilt: contrite promises
theol remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin
Origin of contrite
1Derived forms of contrite
- contritely, adverb
- contriteness, noun
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
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