Definition of contrite

< contributory

contrition >

con·trite    (kn-trt, kntrt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses; penitent.
2. Arising from or expressing contrition: contrite words.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English contrit, from Latin contrtus, past participle of conterere, to crush : com-, com- + terere, to grind; see ter-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
con·tritely(Adverb), con·triteness(Noun)