contrite

comparative more contrite · superlative most contrite

1. Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions.

   The Lord will happineſs divine / On contrite hearts beſtow : / Then tell me, gracious God, is mine / A contrite heart, or no ?

   1779, John Newton, William Cowper, Olney Hymns, London: W. Oliver, page 81

   1 more example

   He greeted Milo jovially each time they met and, in an excess of contrite generosity, impulsively recommended Major Major for promotion. The recommendation was rejected at once at Twenty-seventh Air Force Headquarters by ex-P.F.C. Wintergreen, who scribbled a brusque, unsigned reminder that the Army had only one Major Major Major Major and did not intend to lose him by promotion just to please Colonel Cathcart.

   1955, Joseph Heller, Catch-22, chapter 13, page 133

   Synonyms: apologetic, remorseful, penitent, repentant, apologetic, guilt-ridden · Antonyms: attrite

2. obsoleteThoroughly bruised or broken.

plural contrites

1. A contrite person; a penitent.

   Secondly, that even where contrition or inward repentance doth cleanſe without abſolution ; the reaſon why it cometh ſo to paſs, is, becauſe ſuch contrites intend and deſire Abſolution, though they have it not.

   a. 1600, Richard Hooker [uncertain], “Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie”, in The Works of Mr. Richard Hooker, London: J. Best, published 1662, book VI, page 178