contrite

[ kuhn-trahyt, kon-trahyt ]

adjective

1. caused by or showing sincere remorse.
2. filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent:

   a contrite sinner.

   Synonyms: repentant, remorseful, rueful

contrite

/ kənˈtraɪt; ˈkɒntraɪt /

adjective

1. full of guilt or regret; remorseful
2. arising from a sense of shame or guilt

   contrite promises

3. theol remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin

Derived Forms

• conˈtritely, adverb
• conˈtriteness, noun

Other Words From

• 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrite¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English contrit, from Anglo-French, from Latin contrītus “worn down, crushed,” past participle of conterere “to wear down, crush, crumble”; equivalent to con- + trite

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrite¹

C14: from Latin contrītus worn out, from conterere to bruise, from terere to grind

Example Sentences

Now in his 40s, Joseph is not just contrite, but also, by all accounts, reformed.

From Time

Yarrow told me that the past outcries have prompted him to become more introspective, contrite, and make a concerted effort to model better behavior.

From Outside Online

After further reflection, and no doubt pressure from parents, Olsen issued a more contrite statement on Facebook.

From The Daily Beast

But let's put partisan spin aside and accept Christie's contrite denials of personal knowledge at face value.

From The Daily Beast

And, while contrite, she very coolly shrugged her shoulders over the whole thing.

From The Daily Beast

He is unfailingly polite and contrite, still slightly awkward with the artifice of campaigning after all these years.

From The Daily Beast

Is he going to be contrite in the way that some people would like him to be contrite?

From The Daily Beast

But 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?

From Project Gutenberg

"These must be the legacy to our children," was the reply, in a grave and almost contrite tone.

From Project Gutenberg

That we may find thy mercy: nevertheless, in a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be accepted.

From Project Gutenberg

She stood now before Kitty of "a humble and a contrite heart," and made no reply at all to the implied challenge.

From Project Gutenberg

I ought to add that he has tried to make reparation, and is apparently contrite to the limit of his penitential capacity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apologetic
• humble
• remorseful
• repentant
• sorry