# Contrite

**URL:** <https://eijil.com/t/contrite/259>\
**Category:** 英语词汇\
**Created:** [October 14, 2021, 8:06am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/contrite/259 "2021-10-14T08:06:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2021, 8:06am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/contrite/259/1 "2021-10-14T08:06:12Z")

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词性：adj.  
音标：[kənˈtraɪt]  
释义：feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses or a wrong that one has done

Synonyms: apologetic, compunctious, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry

We are sorry to inform you that the adjective _contrite_ means regretful, remorseful, or even guilty.

Someone who feels remorse or guilt is _contrite_ and in addition to feeling sorry, part of the definition includes wanting to atone for having done something wrong. The word comes from the Latin roots _com_- meaning “together” and _terere_ which means “to rub.” It’s also related to the Latin word _conterere_ and is defined as “to bruise.” In the field of theology being _contrite_ is “being remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin.”

[/uploads/default/original/1X/0ff6b3f24bd28282622d9e8fef6eece96efe3c11.mp3](https://eijil.com/uploads/default/original/1X/0ff6b3f24bd28282622d9e8fef6eece96efe3c11.mp3)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2021, 8:11am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/contrite/259/2 "2021-10-14T08:11:36Z")

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Guys, I would even take a contrite look as an apology.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [October 14, 2021, 8:18am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/contrite/259/3 "2021-10-14T08:18:40Z")

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I’m very contrite.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tristan](https://eijil.com/user_avatar/eijil.com/tristan/32/986_2.png) [@Tristan](https://eijil.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 10:43am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/contrite/259/4 "2024-05-30T10:43:19Z")

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@Chatbot 你是一个英语教学的大师，你会用通俗易懂的方式给学生讲解各类英语知识，现在请你给我解释下上面帖子中我着重讲解的单词，介绍下这些单词在正式文书和口语中的各类含义，各举几个地道，自然的例子。介绍下这些单词的来历，以及我如何才能记住这些单词呢？

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Chatbot](https://eijil.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Chatbot](https://eijil.com/u/Chatbot)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 10:43am UTC](https://eijil.com/t/contrite/259/5 "2024-05-30T10:43:46Z")

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### Word Explanation: Contrite

#### Definition

- **词性：** adj.
- **音标：** [kənˈtraɪt]
- **释义：** Feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins, offenses, or a wrong that one has done.

#### Synonyms

- **apologetic**
- **compunctious**
- **penitent**
- **regretful**
- **remorseful**
- **repentant**
- **rueful**
- **sorry**

#### Detailed Explanation

The adjective _contrite_ describes a state of feeling sorry and remorseful for having committed a wrongdoing. It contains an element of wanting to atone or make amends for a mistake.

#### Etymology

The word _contrite_ originates from the Latin roots _com_- meaning “together” and _terere_ which means “to rub.” It’s related to the Latin word _conterere_, meaning “to bruise”. In religious or theological contexts, a _contrite_ person is remorseful for past sins and is resolved to avoid future sins.

#### Usage in Formal Writing

The term _contrite_ is often used in formal writing to describe an individual’s sincere remorse for wrongdoing. Examples include apologies, legal documents, or literature:

- “The CEO issued a contrite apology for the company’s environmental violations.”
- “Her contrite demeanor in the courtroom swayed the jury to consider leniency.”

#### Usage in Spoken Language

In spoken language, _contrite_ illustrates a person’s genuine regret:

- “After missing the deadline, John looked contrite and promised to make it up.”
- “She was contrite when she realized she had hurt her friend’s feelings.”

#### Examples

1. **Formal Writing:**
  - “The politician delivered a contrite speech, seeking forgiveness from the public for his indiscretions.”

2. **Spoken Language:**
  - “He immediately felt contrite after realizing his harsh words had hurt his brother.”

#### How to Remember the Word “Contrite”

To remember _contrite_, associate it with the concept of “together” (com-) and “to rub” (terere), or think of rubbing together two things that need healing, like bruising. You can also link it with the simple idea of feeling truly sorry and wanting to repair the damage done.

### Recap from Tristan’s Posts

- **Quotes:**
  - “Guys, I would even take a contrite look as an apology.” (From The Office)
  - “I’m very contrite.” (From Notorious)

These examples illustrate how the word _contrite_ is used in different contexts to show remorse or apology.

By understanding these aspects of the word _contrite_, you can effectively incorporate it into both formal and informal communications.