contrition
contrition Lexical Profile
contrition Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The state of feeling sincere remorse and penitence for a wrongdoing or shortcoming; deep, heartfelt regret accompanied by a desire to make amends.
"The defendant showed genuine contrition for his actions and apologized directly to the victims' families."
In Christian theology, a sincere sorrow of the soul and detestation for sin committed, coupled with a firm resolution not to sin again.
"In the sacrament of penance, the penitent recites an act of contrition before receiving absolution from the priest."
Word Nuance & Usage
In Christian theology, 'contrition' (specifically 'perfect contrition') denotes sorrow for sin arising from a pure love of God, whereas 'attrition' ('imperfect contrition') denotes sorrow motivated primarily by fear of punishment.
• Rhymes for contrition
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French contricion, from Late Latin contritio ('grief, sorrow'), derived from the verb conterere ('to grind, bruise, or crush'), figuratively meaning a heart crushed with remorse.