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

He expressed deep contrition over the video in which he bit the dog's corpse, stating he had not been responsible for its death.

From BBC

He said while the ABC has displayed some contrition - including through the public apology - their failure to investigate who leaked Lattouf's sacking to the media detracts from that.

From BBC

What might once have been a footnote in a quarterly earnings report has become a recognizable genre: the corporate reversal, performed in public, equal parts contrition and spectacle.

From Salon

In a fresh extract from her memoir, published in the Sunday Times, Sturgeon accuses Salmond of failing to show any contrition for his "inappropriate" behaviour towards women.

From BBC

He has shown contrition, but it has been a damaging few days.

From BBC

Related Words

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