Words are special because they describe different feelings that we may not show physically. They can paint a picture, stir emotion, and even call people to action. However, you may not get the desired effect if you don’t know how to use them correctly. Think of a word like contrite; what is the right contrite definition, and how well can you correctly use the word in your speech?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, contrite is the state of feeling regret or remorse due to offenses committed. The word is rueful, apologetic, pertinent, repentant, or remorseful. Contrite sentences describe the feeling one gets when saddened or guilty of an action they’ve committed.
This article will discuss the word contrite in length, from the definition to how to best pronounce it, and to how to use the word in your different contexts. So stick around; you do not want to end up feeling contrite because you misused how to best use the word.
What Is the Definition of Contrite?
Contrite, as an adjective, is defined as an act of feeling or showing sorrow, regret, or remorse for something done. It’s meant to show how the action being undertaken is remorseful. For example, if we say Mark has a contrite heart, we suggest that he has a sorrowful and regretful feeling for his wrongdoings.
The term can also refer to something arising from showing contrition. For instance, we can talk about a contrite gesture or contrite words. The word contrite is also meant to show that an individual is deeply saddened, sorrowful or apologetic specifically for their actions.
From the above paragraphs, it is true to say that contrite has several connected meanings. Despite the similarities, when the words are used in different contexts, they can imply something different.
What Is the Meaning of Contrite?
Contrite can also mean a person with a broken and sorrowful spirit due to the sins they have committed. It can also refer to an action that shows or results from repentance. The meaning mostly applies in the theology context.
From this definition, you can see that the word “contrite” may mean one thing, but it can also refer to a contrite action. Contrite also describes a current state of remorse or shame—that moment when you are filled with guilt for an action that you’ve committed.
Additionally, the term can show how the action that shows regret was done. That is why the words sorrow, penitence, and repentance are closely associated with the meaning of contrite.
Different Forms of Contrite
The adjective word contrite comes in two other variations; its noun and adverb form. The different states of the expression have various uses. Learning how to use these different forms will enable you to use contrite in various contexts correctly.
- Contriteness. It is the noun form of the word. It is the state of remorse, contrition, penitence, repentance, or regret for doing something wrong. When someone is in a state of contriteness, they are genuinely sorry for the misdeeds done by them.
- Contritely. An adjective form that refers to being sorry, remorseful, or guilty for a wrong deed done. When using the word contritely, it must indicate that an action is done to show regret towards something done.
For instance, in a sentence, “Sheila picked up the fallen documents contritely from the ground and placed them back.” We see that Sheila regretted dropping the documents that she picked all of them from the ground.
How to Use Contrite in a Sentence?
You can use the term contrite in various situations. However, you must know how to use it in its multiple forms properly.
Before we discuss the various contexts the word contrite can correctly fit in, here are some uses of the word in a sentence to help you understand what we’ve discussed earlier.
- I never thought I’d see the day when Tiger Woods gives contriteness a try.
- Seeing how his alcohol addiction was hurting his family, James was contrite and promised to check into rehab.
- Dennise was far from contrite; she was unapologetic and vowed to get revenge.
- Contriteness is a trait I’d like to see from many politicians today.
- Making words using the word contrite is so easy; you can do it too!
- The police officers were not contrite for killing George Floyd and claimed he used a fake 20 dollar bill.
Contrite Use in Different Contexts
Another most common use of the word contrite is in a court scene where the criminal can show deep remorse for their wrongdoings. For instance, if we say a criminal was contrite or spoke contritely, we mean that they were genuinely sorry for their actions.
Another familiar context is in theology. In Christianity, the term contrite refers to individuals who do sinful acts. In Islam, it is used in the Quran to refer to those who have done wrong and are remorseful.
What is the Opposite of Contrite?
The opposite of contrite could be defined as feeling no regret or guilt for one’s actions. This could be exhibited through a lack of apology or even a disregard for the feelings of others. Someone who is not contrite may seem cocky or insensitive.
There can be several reasons why someone might not feel remorseful for their actions. It could be that they truly believe they did nothing wrong, or maybe they just don’t care about the consequences of their behavior.
Use words like impertinent, unrepentant, remorseless, or unapologetic to describe someone who is not sorry or remorseful for doing wrong; we can call them unapologetic.
For instance: Derrick was unapologetic for his cruel actions. We learn that Derrick had no remorse for what he did.
Is Contrite a Bad Word?
Contrite is not a bad word. However, it describes the sorry or regretful person who did wrong. It shows the change of heart of the wrongdoer, even to the extent of accepting the consequences of their actions and being willing to make amends. Simply put, it’s not a bad word because it shows how sorry someone is for their wrongdoing.
10 Examples of Contrite in a Sentence
The following ten sentences show how the word contrite applies in different contexts, including sentences that use it as an adverb, adjective, and noun. Such sentences help you better understand the word usage and build your confidence. Here we go!
- Either Ian fully confesses and shows contriteness, or we sue him for his actions he said to the quorum.
- Despite Bernie Madoff stealing 68 billion using his Ponzi scheme, he did not look contrite at any one time.
- I hope the Russian president is contrite after his army invaded Ukraine and quickly made peace.
- My actions towards the lady were unwarranted, which led me to be contrite and plan to make it up to her.
- Sally is a beautiful friend; she’s kind and funny, and when she wrongs you even if you just quibble, she is contrite and makes it up to you.
- ‘To anyone I may have offended, I’m sorry.’ the outgoing president said contritely. ‘I forgive those who have wronged me as well.’
- Before the ruling was given, the criminal looked contrite, apologized to everyone he’d caused pain, and said he’d accept any order the court gave him.
- I’m afraid I disagree that Hitler could have shown any contriteness because he was brutal.
- According to the Christian doctrine, a sacrifice acceptable and one that God will not despise is of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
- Despite Zidane being contrite after head-butting Marco in the World Cup Final, the referee gave him a red card, sending him off the pitch.
How Do You Spell Contrite?
Contrite is an easy word to spell because it’s spelled how it’s pronounced but with an ‘e’ at the end c-o-n-t-r-i-t-e.
According to the International Phonetic Alphabet, the spelling of the word contrite is [kuhn-trahyt, kon-trahyt].
How Do You Pronounce Contrite?
The word contrite is pronounced as /kon-trahyt/ in the American pronunciation.
However, the word sounds slightly different in the British pronunciation /kuhn-trahyt/. Both are acceptable pronunciations in the English language.
Synonyms Of The Word “Contrite”
- Penitence
- Sorrow
- Humiliation
- Penance
Antonyms Of The Word “Contrite”
- Impenitence
- Happiness
- indifference
- hurtfulness
How Many Syllables Are In Contrite?
Contrite only has two syllables: con-trite.
History & Etymology of Contrite
The word contrite comes from the Old French word “contrit” and also from the Latin word “contritus” which meant worn out or ground into pieces in 1300. The word finds its roots from the past participle of the Late Latin word “conterere” which meant to crumble, its root “terere” meaning to rub. Its earlier version was used in church Latin to refer to a crushed spirit due to sin.
Since then, the word has been adopted into English to mean brokenness or showing deep remorse for something wrong done. However, the earlier meanings of the word are no longer in use.
When was Contrite First Used?
The first recorded use of the word contrite with its current definition was in the 14th century.
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know the term contrite’s meaning and its use in different situations. We hope that this article has helped you learn how to use the word. Now go ahead and practice using the word in your sentences and writing. Suppose you still have some questions regarding the use of the word contrite. In that case, we suggest further online reading, watching educational videos, or listening to podcasts to help you iron out those tricky parts.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.