Contrite

/kənˈtɹaɪt/ · adjective

Meaning

Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions..

Definitions by Sense

1. Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions.
2. (obsolete) Thoroughly bruised or broken.
3. A contrite person; a penitent.

Example Sentences

The Lord will happineſs divine / On contrite hearts beſtow : / Then tell me, gracious God, is mine / A contrite heart, or no ?

He greeted Milo jovially each time they met and, in an excess of contrite generosity, impulsively recommended Major Major for promotion. The recommendation was rejected at once at Twenty-seventh Air Force Headquarters by ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen, who scribbled a brusque, unsigned reminder that the Army had only one Major Major Major Major and did not intend to lose him by promotion just to please Colonel Cathcart.

Secondly, that even where contrition or inward repentance doth cleanſe without abſolution ; the reaſon why it cometh ſo to paſs, is, becauſe ſuch contrites intend and deſire Abſolution, though they have it not.

Synonyms for contrite

Antonyms for contrite

Related Words

Word Forms

• more contrite
• most contrite
• contrites

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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