contrite

[ kuhn-trahyt, kon-trahyt ]

See synonyms for: contrite contriteness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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

Origin of contrite

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

Other words for contrite

2	rueful, remorseful, repentant

See synonyms for contrite on Thesaurus.com

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 | 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.
The Ethics of Wildlife Photography | Mike Koshmrl | April 14, 2021 | Outside Online
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 BEAST
But 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 BEAST
And, 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 BEAST
Is 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 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?
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
"These must be the legacy to our children," was the reply, in a grave and almost contrite tone.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV. | Various
That we may find thy mercy: nevertheless, in a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be accepted.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
She 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 Parker
I 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

contrite

/ (kənˈtraɪt, ˈkɒntraɪt) /

adjective

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

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

Derived 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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