contrite

adjective con·trite \ˈkän-ˌtrīt, kən-ˈ\

: feeling or showing regret for bad behavior

Full Definition of CONTRITE

: feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming <a contrite criminal> <a contrite apology> <contrite sighs>

— con·trite·ly adverb

— con·trite·ness noun

See contrite defined for English-language learners

See contrite defined for kids

Examples of CONTRITE

Allbaugh apologized, though it was clear he was hardly contrite. —Christopher Cooper &Robert Block, Disaster, 2006
… Teddy was immediately contrite. “That was stupid of me. Forgive me.” —Jack Higgins, The President's Daughter, 1998
At the airport, the meter registers nine pounds, and of course he had said six or seven. I have a sense now of his feeling somewhat contrite, or perhaps only abashed. —Renata Adler, Pitch Dark, 1983
… for days afterward, afraid of himself and worried about his sanity, he would be contrite and terribly ashamed. —John Nichols, The Milagro Beanfield War, 1974
[+]more [-]hide

Origin of CONTRITE

Middle English contrit, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin contritus, from Latin, past participle of conterere to grind, bruise, from com- + terere to rub — more at throw

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONTRITE

Synonyms: apologetic, compunctious, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry

Antonyms: impenitent, remorseless, unapologetic, unrepentant

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

CONTRITELY Defined for Kids

contrite

adjective con·trite \ˈkän-ˌtrīt, kən-ˈtrīt\

Definition of CONTRITE for Kids

: feeling or showing sorrow for having done something bad or wrong : repentant <The prince lowered his head so as to appear humbled and contrite. — Sid Fleischman, The Whipping Boy>