Contrition Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kənˈtrɪtʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Contrition (noun): deep regret, remorse, or guilt for a wrongdoing or sin, often accompanied by a sincere desire to make amends or seek forgiveness.

Examples

• The apology was tempered by a sense of contrition, as he realized the harm caused by his actions.
• True contrition requires acknowledging one’s mistakes and taking responsibility for them.

Synonyms

• Regret
• Remorse
• Repentance

Antonyms

• Indifference
• Ignorance

Etymology

The word contrition comes from the Latin term contritio, meaning ‘crushing’ or ‘kneading’. In a religious context, it refers to the emotional state of being crushed or humbled by guilt or shame.

Usage Notes

Contrition can be used in different contexts, including:

• Emotional expression: ‘She felt a deep sense of contrition when she thought about what she had done.’
• Religious or philosophical context: ‘The concept of contrition is central to many faiths, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing.’
• Formal or academic writing: ‘The study aimed to explore the role of contrition in reducing recidivism rates among offenders.’

Cultural References

Contrition has appeared in various forms of media, including:

• Books: ‘The Scarlet Letter’ by Nathaniel Hawthorne explores the theme of contrition in a Puritan community.
• Film: The movie ‘Atonement’ features a character who grapples with contrition for a past mistake.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Contrition is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as:

• ‘A contrite heart’: This phrase emphasizes the importance of having a humble or remorseful attitude.
• ‘Seek contrition‘: This phrase encourages people to seek forgiveness or make amends for past wrongdoings.

Related Words or Phrases

Contrition is closely related to other concepts, including:

• Remorse: a feeling of regret or guilt for a wrongdoing.
• Regret: a feeling of disappointment or sorrow for a past decision or action.
• Repentance: a sincere desire to change one’s behavior or seek forgiveness.

Collocations

Contrition is often used in combination with words like:

• ‘deep contrition‘
• ‘genuine contrition‘
• ‘true contrition‘

Frequency of Use

The word contrition is not as commonly used as some other words, but it appears in certain contexts, such as academic writing, theological discussions, or when describing emotional states.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings or variations of contrition include:

• Contiction
• Constituit