Contrite

Pronunciation

• RP

• RP

• US IPA: /kÉ™nˈtɹaɪt/

Origin

From Old French contrit, from Latin contritus.

Full definition of contrite

Adjective

1. Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions; apologetic.
• 1955, w, Catch-22, 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.
• 1853, William Cowper, The Poetical Works of William Cowper, The Lord will happiness divine
  On contrite hearts bestow
2. (obsolete) Thoroughly bruised or broken.

Antonyms

• attrite

Synonyms

• apologetic

Derived terms

• contritely
• contriteness

Noun

1. A contrite person; a penitent.----