WordValecontrite
feeling remorse for wrongdoing
In more detail
feeling or showing sincere regret and guilt about something you have done wrong
Examples
- She offered a contrite apology after realizing how much her words had hurt him.
How to use contrite
Contrite expresses genuine, sincere regret rather than mere politeness or strategic apology. It carries a stronger sense of moral shame and desire for atonement than simple regret, and is often used to describe someone's demeanor or attitude after wrongdoing. The word has a somewhat formal tone and is common in both personal and public contexts.
Common phrases
- a contrite apology
- contrite expression
- contrite tone
- seem contrite
- feel contrite
Synonyms
remorseful · repentant · apologetic · penitent · rueful
Opposites
unrepentant · impenitent
Word family
contritely (adverb) · contrition (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse contrite with remorseful; while close, contrite emphasizes an inner moral conviction and penitence, whereas remorseful focuses more on feeling sorrow or sadness about consequences.
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