noun

contrition

kuhn-TRISH-uhn/kənˈtrɪʃn/

Deep remorse for wrongdoing.

The person's bowed head and apologetic gesture express contrition while returning the borrowed object.

A white adult bows their head in remorse while returning a misplaced borrowed object with an apologetic open hand.

Etymology

conLatintogether; adds emphasis

+tritLatinto rub, grind

+ionLatinaction or process

Contrition names a grinding or crushing, used figuratively in Christianity for brokenness of spirit over sin. That inward crushing became sincere remorse, including a resolve not to repeat the wrong.

In context

US National Archives9:52

then said my act of contrition praying by rote for forgiveness I used what little energy I had left to finish that prayer

Undaunted: Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage, and Fighting Back*

More examples

The judge doubts the sincerity of his contrition.
She writes a letter of contrition to her sister.
His apology sounds polished, but it reveals no real contrition.

Forms

contrite adjective — Deeply remorseful about having done wrong.

Similar words

remorse: Nearly interchangeable, but less formal and less associated with religion.
guilt: Can mean responsibility for wrongdoing, not just sorrow about it.
repentance: Emphasizes turning away from wrongdoing as well as regretting it.