Contrition

kuhn-TRIH-shuhn

/kənˈtrɪʃən/

Noun

Meaning

Contrition means a deep feeling of remorse, guilt, or sorrow for having done something wrong.
It refers to sincere repentance and moral regret, often accompanied by a desire to make amends or seek forgiveness.

Examples

He spoke with genuine contrition for the harm his actions had caused.
Her letter expressed deep contrition and a willingness to apologize publicly.
The judge considered his contrition before deciding the sentence.
True contrition involves not just regret but also a commitment to change.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms	Antonyms
Remorse Repentance Regret Penitence Guilt Self-reproach	Indifference Arrogance Pride Defiance Remorselessness Callousness

Word Forms

Contrite (adjective) – feeling remorse or guilt
Contritely (adverb) – in a remorseful manner
Contriteness (noun) – the state of being contrite

Origin / Etymology

The word contrition comes from the Latin contritio, meaning “a crushing” or “grinding down,” derived from conterere (“to crush or wear down”). Over time, the meaning evolved to describe emotional or spiritual sorrow that humbles a person after wrongdoing.

Grammar Information

Countability: Uncountable noun
Usage: Commonly used in formal, religious, legal, and moral contexts
Sentence Position: Often appears after verbs like show, express, feel, or lack

Translations

Hindi: पश्चाताप (Pashchātāp)
Spanish: Contrición
French: Contrition
German: Reue
Arabic: ندم صادق
Chinese (Simplified): 悔恨

Idioms & Phrases

Show contrition – to openly express remorse
Act of contrition – a prayer expressing sorrow for sins (religious context)
Without contrition – showing no remorse