Contrite
/kənˈtraɪt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Contrite describes the strong feeling of being sorry for a mistake or bad action. When someone is contrite, they feel regret (sadness about past actions) and want to say sorry or fix what they did wrong. It is a deeper, more serious kind of apology feeling.
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See It in Action
Feeling very sorry for doing something wrong
- •She felt contrite after breaking her friend’s favorite vase.
- •The student was contrite when he admitted cheating on the test.
- •He gave a contrite apology for being late to the meeting.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'contrite' like 'sorry,' but much stronger and deeper—more like truly feeling bad inside
- ✓Picture someone with a sad face, eyes down, maybe quietly saying 'I'm sorry' after doing something wrong
- ✓It’s the feeling you have when you hurt a friend and really want to make peace again
- ✓Sounds like 'con-TRITE' → imagine someone trying to 'try right' again after a mistake
- ✓Think of stories where a character feels very sad and apologizes sincerely after a big mistake
- ✓NOT like 'sorry' (which can be quick or polite), 'contrite' means feeling deep and true regret
- ✓NOT like 'guilty' (which can be fear or worry about punishment), 'contrite' focuses on sadness and wanting to fix things
- ✓NOT like 'remorse' (which is similar but often more serious and long-lasting), 'contrite' is sincere and shows in behavior or words
Try Other Words
- •Remorseful: feeling very sad and guilty (Use when you want to express a stronger or longer feeling of regret)
- •Apologetic: showing or saying sorry (Use when focusing on the action of saying sorry, not just the feeling)
- •Penitent: feeling sorry for sins or moral wrongs (Use in religious or formal contexts)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: 'con-' (together, completely)
- •Root: 'trite' from Latin 'tritus,' meaning rubbed or worn down, here meaning 'worn down by guilt'
- •Etymology: From Latin 'contritus,' meaning crushed or broken in spirit because of guilt
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe someone feeling crushed or broken inside because of their wrong actions
- •Modern usage: Describes sincere and deep feelings of regret or sorrow for mistakes and wrong actions
Reflect & Connect
•Can someone feel contrite without saying sorry? How would you know?
•How does being contrite help people fix problems in relationships or communities?
Fill in the blanks
1.After realizing his mistake, he felt contrite and wanted to ___ for what he did.
2.A contrite person usually shows their regret by ___ or trying to make things better.
3.Feeling contrite is different from just feeling ___ because it includes wanting to fix the problem.
4.When someone is contrite, they often speak in a ___ and humble way.
5.Contrite feelings often come after someone understands the ___ they caused.
6.Saying "I'm sorry" can be polite, but being contrite means you feel ___ sorry inside.
7.A person who is contrite is more likely to ___ their mistakes and learn from them.