contritely
Americanadverb
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While limiting his discussion of what happened to generalities and without going into detail, he spoke contritely about unwittingly “insensitive” behavior.
From Seattle Times • May 1, 2022
“I was and am tone-deaf,” he told me, no longer nodding but shaking his head contritely.
From New York Times • Jul. 27, 2021
Approach the other manager contritely, apologize for your employee’s behavior, ask about the incident and make assurances that you take it seriously and are taking steps to prevent any repetition.
From Washington Post • Jul. 13, 2021
"Chrissy Teigen very clearly and contritely apologized for insensitive public tweets she made around a decade ago," the latest apology on her Instagram reads.
From Fox News • Jun. 20, 2021
“I don’t think you can call it a fad if it’s changed the way we live,” Molly says, then smiles contritely, aware that she’s already gotten herself into a disagreement with her potential boss.
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
