contrition
/kən'triʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation: A state of deep regret and remorse for having committed a sin or wrong, motivated primarily by a fear of divine punishment or spiritual consequences.
- Penitence; sincere and complete remorse for wrongdoing: A profound feeling of regret and guilt for one's misdeeds, often accompanied by a desire for atonement or forgiveness.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- He felt deep contrition for his harsh words and immediately apologized.
- The sacrament requires genuine contrition for one's sins.
- Her face showed pure contrition as she confessed her mistake.
Advanced Usage
"Act of contrition": A formal prayer expressing sorrow for sin. This is a specific religious term.
- He recited an act of contrition before seeking absolution from the priest.
"To show/feel/profess contrition": Common collocations describing the expression or experience of this remorse.
- The defendant showed no contrition for his crimes, which influenced the judge's sentence.
Variants and Related Words
- Contrite (adj): Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.
- He was contrite and promised never to do it again.
Synonyms
- Remorse: Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
- Penitence: The action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.
- Compunction: A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.
- Repentance: The action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.
Antonyms
- Impenitence: The state of not feeling regret or remorse.
- Defiance: Open resistance; bold disobedience.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "A heart full of contrition": A literary way to describe someone who is profoundly sorry.
- She came to him with a heart full of contrition, begging for forgiveness.
Noun
- sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation