contrition

[ kuhn-trish-uhn ]

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.

contrition

/ 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of contrition¹

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

My last experience of having the name hurled at me on the street shocked me not so much in the name-calling, but the absolute lack of contrition shown even when challenged.

From BBC

But more emphasis is placed on Carson’s inevitable contrition, and his public admission that he “did not drink well,” than on the possibility that it might have been alcoholism, rather than a love of magic, that helped shape the very private life of the public man.

From Los Angeles Times

Nuno apologised for his reaction to the officials, including referee Rob Jones and fourth official Anthony Taylor, and had hoped his contrition would lead to leniency.

From BBC

In a letter to the MSP, the committee also said he had misrepresented SNP policy and had shown “no contrition”.

From BBC

In 1959, he denied Chessman clemency, saying he’d shown no contrition but rather “steadfast arrogance and contempt for society and its laws.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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