Contrite

Quick meaning: Contrite is an adjective meaning Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. A contrite person; a penitent.
2. (obsolete) Thoroughly bruised or broken.

Example Sentences

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

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.

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.

Word Forms

• contrites

Synonyms for contrite

Depending on context, synonyms include apologetic, remorseful, penitent, repentant, guilt-ridden, rueful.

Antonyms for contrite

Common opposites include attrite.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include penitent, repentant, sorry, apologetic, remorseful, rueful.

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