adjective

contrite

contrite, remorseful, penitent

He was contrite after his angry outburst.

He was contrite after his angry outburst.

She wrote a contrite letter of apology.

She wrote a contrite letter of apology.

((to be)) contrite ((for sth.)) to be sorry for (sth.) He was contrite for his mistake.

Synonyms: remorseful, repentant; Antonyms: unrepentant

From Latin 'con-' (together) + 'terere' (to rub, grind). It means to be 'crushed' by guilt.

Imagine someone so sorry they feel 'crushed' or 'worn down' by guilt, like the root 'trite' which means worn out.

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