Contrition — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kən-ˈtri-shən/ con·tri·tion

Meaning & Definition of Contrition

Contrition (noun)

  1. the state of being contrite, repentance

Contrition (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing

    "we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition"

    similar: contriteness, guilt, penitence, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame
    related: compunction, misgiving, prick, qualm, scruple, blame, culpability, fault, liability, rap, responsibility, chagrin, embarrassment, anguish, distress, grief, ruth, sadness, sorrow, bloodguilt, bloodguiltiness, apology, excuses, hand-wringing, mea culpa
    opposite: impenitence, remorselessness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contrition

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contrition:

contriteness, guilt, penitence, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Contrition

Words with the opposite meaning of Contrition:

impenitence, remorselessness

Related Words for Contrition

compunction, misgiving, prick, qualm, scruple, blame, culpability, fault, liability, rap, responsibility, chagrin, embarrassment, anguish, distress, grief, ruth, sadness, sorrow, bloodguilt, bloodguiltiness, apology, excuses, hand-wringing, mea culpa

Origin & Etymology of Contrition

Middle English contricioun "disruption, rift or breach, sorrow for sins committed," borrowed from Anglo-French cuntriciun, contricion, borrowed from Latin contrītiōn-, contrītiō "dismay, grief, despondency" (Medieval Latin also "crushing sense of sin"), from contrī-, variant stem of conterere "to crush, wear out or down, exhaust mentally or physically" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contrite

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Contrition

What does "Contrition" mean?

"Contrition" means the state of being contrite, repentance. As a noun, it is defined as: the state of being contrite, repentance.

What is another word for "Contrition"?

Other words for "Contrition" include contriteness, guilt, penitence, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance and rue. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contrition" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contrition"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contrition". Common alternatives include contriteness, guilt, penitence, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach and shame.

What is the opposite of "Contrition"?

Antonyms of "Contrition" include impenitence and remorselessness.

How do you use "Contrition" in a sentence?

Examples of "Contrition" in a sentence: "we were moved to forgive by his tearful expressions of contrition".

Is "Contrition" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Contrition" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Contrition"?

"Contrition" is pronounced /kən-ˈtri-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·tri·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Contrition"?

"Contrition" comes from Middle English contricioun "disruption, rift or breach, sorrow for sins committed," borrowed from Anglo-French cuntriciun, contricion, borrowed from Latin contrītiōn-, contrītiō "dismay, grief, despondency" (Medieval Latin also "crushing sense of sin"), from contrī-, variant stem of conterere "to crush, wear out or down, exhaust mentally or physically" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contrite. First known use: 14th century.