contrite Hear it!

contrite Definition

con·trite (kən trīt′, kän′trīt′)

adjective

  1. feeling contrition; repentant
  2. showing or resulting from contrition

Etymology: ME contrit < OFr < LL(Ec) contritus, lit., worn out, ground to pieces, pp. of L conterere, to grind < com-, together + terere, to rub: see throw

Related Forms:

contrite Synonyms

contrite

modif.

repentant, regretful, humbled, remorseful; see ashamed, sorry 1.

contrite Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • heart: They do not have a broken spirit or a contrite heart.
  • spirit: He never dwelt in angel, but He resides in a contrite spirit.
  • soul: I would only ask this question of you, did ye ever know that Christ killed a contrite soul?

Modifying Another Word

  • very: At this of course the Countess was very contrite.
  • suitably: The assembled company then threw slippers at his spread-eagle form, until his tears revealed that he was suitably contrite.
  • truly: Of course, after these outbursts, I was truly contrite, - until the next time I felt myself losing total control.

Used with adjective complement

  • look: Now they're trying to look contrite - and busy.