contrition

American  

[kuhn-trish-uhn] / kənˈtrɪʃ ən /

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.

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contrition British  

/ 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 )

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Etymology

Origin of contrition

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

When Paul pressed him again about his lack of apology, lack of contrition, and inability to even say he “misspoke,” while ribbing him about his “low impulse control” and presentation of “machismo,” Mullin didn’t waver.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026

Here was a chance for Redzepi to redeem himself with true contrition.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

At her sentencing, Peters repeatedly insulted the judge and never showed an ounce of contrition.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

The mitigation is meant for those who show contrition or really were unjustly convicted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

I knew the crucial distinction between perfect and imperfect contrition.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

Related Words

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