MEANING
Deep remorse for having done wrong, particularly with a desire for forgiveness.
Use it for
Confession, apologies, disputed sincerity, moral injury.Make forgiveness depend on more than the formal words of an apology.
Words that belong together
- genuine contrition
- act of contrition
- show contrition
On the page
His carefully written apology showed no contrition.
She whispered an act of contrition before opening the stolen letter.
Contrition came too late to restore the friendship.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- contrition
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. More self-reproachful than ordinary regret; outward humility alone does not establish sincerity. Uncountable; derived adjective contrite.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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