Word
contrition
Phoneticscon·tri·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɹɪʃən/
UK/kəntɹˈɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. deep regret for something bad you did, and a strong wish to make it right.
n. sincere remorse for wrongdoing, accompanied by a desire for atonement or forgiveness. Often implies moral or religious weight beyond a casual apology.
Examples
“He shows real contrition after hurting his friend.”
“She wrote a letter to her neighbour expressing contrition for the damage her dog caused.”
“His public apology lacked any sign of contrition, reading instead as a calculated attempt to preserve his reputation rather than acknowledge harm.”
Examples
simple
“He shows real contrition after hurting his friend.”
contextual
“She wrote a letter to her neighbour expressing contrition for the damage her dog caused.”
complex
“His public apology lacked any sign of contrition, reading instead as a calculated attempt to preserve his reputation rather than acknowledge harm.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “contrition” in context.
Verb
01. bow in contrition
“He bowed in contrition before the congregation and asked for forgiveness.”
verb + prep + noun
02. display contrition
“The defendant displayed little contrition during the trial proceedings.”
verb + noun
03. express contrition
“The CEO expressed contrition for misleading investors about profits.”
verb + noun
04. feel contrition
“She felt real contrition after realising how harsh her words had been.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. deep contrition
“The driver expressed deep contrition for causing the accident.”
adj + noun
06. genuine contrition
“He showed genuine contrition and promised to repay the money he had taken.”
adj + noun
07. heartfelt contrition
“In court, he offered heartfelt contrition to the victim's family.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. act of contrition
“Donating his bonus was seen as an act of contrition after the scandal.”
noun + prep + noun
09. an act of contrition
“He donated his salary as an act of contrition to the community.”
10. bow head in contrition
“He bowed his head in contrition as the verdict was read.”
11. express deep contrition for
“The minister expressed deep contrition for his handling of the crisis.”
12. full of genuine contrition
“Her apology letter was full of genuine contrition and regret.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'for' to specify the offence.
Real-World Examples
“In the complex politics of apology, which play an important role in Japan's relations with its neighbors, today's statement marked one more step toward greater public contrition for World War II, and South Korea seemed pleased.” Etymology
From Old French contriciun (French contrition), from Latin contrītiō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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