Contrite
Adjective
Definition: Filled with or showing deep remorse or sorrow for wrongdoing; genuinely repentant.
Synonyms: Remorseful, Penitent, Regretful, Repentant
Antonyms: Unrepentant, Defiant, Impenitent
- After realizing the consequences of her actions, she felt contrite for hurting her friend.
- The thief appeared contrite when faced with the evidence against him.
- Think of the "con" in contrite, representing the feeling of being conned by one's own actions, which leads to deep remorse.
Etymology:
Middle English "contrit" (past participle of "contriten"), from Latin "contritus" (bruised, crushed), from "conterere" (to grind); influenced by the Latin "conterere" is the sense of being "ground down" by guilt or remorse.
Historical Usage:The use of the word "contrite" can be traced back to at least the 14th century in English language literature.
Related Idioms:
"Contrite heart"
Explanation:Refers to a sincere and genuinely remorseful state of mind.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "contrite" with "concrete" due to their similar sounds.
Explanation:"Contrite" is related to deep remorse and sorrow, while "concrete" refers to a material or a specific type of building construction.