contrition
kun-TRISH-un
/kənˈtrɪʃn/
The state of feeling remorseful and penitent.
Contrition is the outward sign or the sincere state of being sorry. In theology, it is the 'perfect' sorrow for sin.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'contritus,' meaning 'ground to pieces.' It’s the vivid image of a heart being crushed or pulverized by the weight of guilt.
Word relationships
- remorse: Remorse is the feeling; contrition is the state or expression of that feeling.
- defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Commonly confused with
- attrition: Attrition is wearing something down (like a war of attrition); contrition is being worn down by guilt.
Word family
- contrite (adjective): Feeling or expressing remorse.
Collocations
- show contrition
- act of contrition
- deep contrition
Example sentences
- "The politician's statement was full of contrition, but many doubted his sincerity." A public figure's apology.
- "True contrition requires a change of heart, not just a change of words." Religious context.
Memory hook
Contrition sounds like 'Country-Shun'. If you do something bad, the whole country might shun you until you show contrition. A heart ground to dust.
When not to use
Too formal for casual apologies.
Fun facts
- In the Catholic Church, the 'Act of Contrition' is a specific prayer said during confession.
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