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View synonyms for contrite

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
“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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Derived Forms

  • conˈtritely, adverb
  • conˈtriteness, noun
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contrite1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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