contrition

noun

con·​tri·​tion kən-ˈtri-shən 

: the state of being contrite : repentance

She shed tears of contrition for her sins.

Synonyms

• contriteness
• guilt
• penitence
• regret
• remorse
• remorsefulness
• repentance
• rue
• self-reproach
• shame

Choose the Right Synonym for contrition

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing.

penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

Examples of contrition in a Sentence

Were her tears a true sign of contrition?

we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s just a little ramp for a little bit of contrition, some forgiveness, and the beginnings of rebuilding it all. —Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024

Sunak dropped his attempts at contrition and became tetchy and confrontational instead. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 29 June 2024

Image But Judge Chutkan was swayed by Mr. Irizarry’s note of contrition. —Richard Fausset, New York Times, 10 June 2024

The parole board looks for signs of contrition and rehabilitation. —Beth Warren, The Courier-Journal, 30 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contricioun "disruption, rift or breach, sorrow for sins committed," borrowed from Anglo-French cuntriciun, contricion, borrowed from Latin contrītiōn-, contrītiō "dismay, grief, despondency" (Medieval Latin also "crushing sense of sin"), from contrī-, variant stem of conterere "to crush, wear out or down, exhaust mentally or physically" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at contrite

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

contrition

noun

con·​tri·​tion kən-ˈtrish-ən 

: the state of being contrite