What does contrition mean?
Contrition refers to a profound sense of remorse or repentance for something one has done wrong, whether a moral transgression, a sin, or a personal offense against another person. More than simple regret, it carries connotations of genuine inner sorrow and a desire to make amends. The word has deep roots in religious tradition, particularly within Christian practice, where it describes the sorrow a sinner feels before seeking forgiveness — hence phrases like 'an act of contrition.' In secular use, it appears frequently in formal apologies, legal proceedings, and public statements of accountability, where a person's sincerity is often judged by whether their contrition seems heartfelt or merely performative. The word derives from the Latin 'contritus,' meaning 'worn down' or 'crushed,' which captures its emotional essence: the feeling of being humbled or broken by guilt. Related forms include the adjective 'contrite' and its adverb 'contritely.' Contrition is considered a formal term, best suited to serious or elevated contexts.
nounContrition is a deep feeling of remorse or sorrow for having done something wrong, especially in the context of sin or moral wrongdoing. It implies genuine regret rather than mere embarrassment at being caught.
- Deep remorse or penitence for wrongdoing, especially sin or moral fault.
"Her letter of apology was filled with genuine contrition."
"He showed genuine contrition when he apologized for breaking the vase."
"The defendant's display of contrition influenced the judge's sentencing."
Rarely pluralized; the word is almost always used as an uncountable mass noun referring to a state of feeling.
"The confessions of the two brothers were marked by very different kinds of contritions."
The 'Act of Contrition' is one of the oldest prayers in Christianity, recited for centuries by penitents seeking forgiveness — making this word carry centuries of spiritual weight in just four syllables.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of contrition
Contrition comes from the Latin verb 'contrere,' meaning to grind, crush, or wear away, via the past participle 'contritus' ('ground to pieces' or 'crushed'). The word entered English through Old French in the medieval period, initially carrying strongly religious overtones tied to penitence and the sacrament of confession, where a crushed, humbled heart was seen as the proper state for receiving forgiveness. Cognates include the French 'contrition' and related words such as 'contrite.'
Related word forms
How contrition is actually used
Formal and often religious in register. Frequently appears in contexts of confession, apology, or legal settings. The adjective form is 'contrite'.
Easily confused with contrition
A contraption is an odd or elaborate mechanical device, whereas contrition is sincere remorse for wrongdoing — they share only a superficial resemblance in spelling.