adjective
contrite
kuhn-TRYT
adjective
1
Genuinely sorry and remorseful about something one has done wrong.
"He gave a contrite apology after realizing how much he had hurt her."
"She looked contrite, but he wasn't sure if she meant it."
How to Use Contrite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTruly sorry, showing real regret for something you did.
Common mistake
Contrite implies genuine, deep remorse — stronger than simply saying "sorry" out of politeness.
Common pairings
contrite apology
a contrite tone
genuinely contrite
Word Forms
more contrite comparative, contrites plural, most contrite superlative
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He gave a _____ apology after realizing how much he had hurt her.
Etymology
From Old French contrit, from Latin contritus ("ground to pieces"), the past participle of conterere ("to grind, bruise") — literally, someone "worn down" by guilt.