contrite
pronunciation
How to pronounce contrite in British English:
UK [kənˈtraɪt]
How to pronounce contrite in American English:
US [kənˈtraɪt]
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- Adjective:
- feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
- feeling regret for a fault or offence
Word Origin
- contrite (adj.)
- c. 1300, from Old French contrit and directly from Latin contritus, literally "worn out, ground to pieces," past participle of conterere "to grind," from com- "together" (see com-) + terere "to rub" (see throw (v.)). Used in English in figurative sense of "crushed in spirit by a sense of sin." Related: Contritely.
Example
- 1. When justice threatens nigh , the sorrow of a contrite heart .
- 2. Your note of apology was contrite , but it was absolutely professional .
- 3. The tall , gracious young woman listened attentively to these contrite words .
- 4. The sorrow of a contrite heart .
- 5. This week a contrite mr lee said he would listen to the public 's concerns .