Dictionary
contrition
noun con·tri·tion \kən-ˈtri-shən\
: the state of feeling sorry for bad behavior : the state of being contrite
Full Definition of CONTRITION
: the state of being contrite : repentance
See contrition defined for English-language learners
See contrition defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of CONTRITION
14th century
Related to CONTRITION
- Synonyms
- contriteness, guilt, penitence, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame
- Antonyms
- impenitence, remorselessness
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Other Christian Religious Terms
Rhymes with CONTRITION
addition, admission, ambition, attrition, audition, beautician, clinician, cognition, coition, commission, condition, demission, dentition, dismission, Domitian, edition, emission, ethician, fruition, ignition, Kittitian, lenition, logician, magician, Mauritian, monition, mortician, munition, musician, nutrition, omission, optician, partition, patrician, perdition, permission, petition, Phoenician, physician, Politian, position, punition, remission, rendition, sedition, submission, suspicion, tactician, technician, tradition, transition, transmission, tuition, volition
Learn More About CONTRITION
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: contrituratePrevious Word in the Dictionary: contritedAll Words Near: contrition
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up contrition? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).