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

The issue of character is important since the punishment will take into account his contrition and the scale of his deception. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024

The lack of a retraction or any real sign of contrition comes as the Smirnov allegations continue to implode in spectacular fashion. —Oliver Darcy, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024

Zuckerberg’s contrition — whether real, fake, or somewhere in between — doesn’t really matter one way or the other, though. —Rich Lowry, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024

In the days after the attack, Trump had expressed what Pence thought was genuine contrition over the attack, according to a person with knowledge of the conversation. —Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2024

At times in the documentary Manziel shows contrition. —Brad Townsend, Dallas News, 4 Aug. 2023

Presidential pardons typically are, similar to what Pence described, given only to restore the civil rights of people who have been convicted, served their sentences and shown contrition. —Brian Kalt, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2023

No fewer than five members of the staff rise and bow to Saori, in contrition, but notice how the moment is framed: she is hemmed in by the apologizers as if trapped in a crowd. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2023

But if there was even a morsel of contrition from news organizations that breathed considerable life into Hamas’ very different version of events, it hasn’t been shown. —Oliver Darcy, CNN, 24 Oct. 2023

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