contrite Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
    rueful; remorseful; ruthful.

WordNet

Con"trite adjective
Etymology
L. contritus bruised, p. p. of contrere to grind, bruise; con- + terere to rub, grind: cf. F. contrit See Trite.
Definitions
  1. Thoroughly bruised or broken. Obs.
  2. Broken down with grief and penitence; deeply sorrowful for sin because it is displeasing to God; humbly and thoroughly penitent.
    A contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Ps. li. 17.
    Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite. Milton.
    Syn. -- Penitent; repentant; humble; sorrowful.
Con"trite noun
Definitions
  1. A contrite person. Hooker.
Con"trite verb
Definitions
  1. In a contrite manner.

Webster 1913