contrite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrite" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of remorse or guilt for a wrongdoing. Example: "After realizing the impact of his actions, he felt truly contrite and sought forgiveness from those he had hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Q: Given how bad the BBC's year has been, shouldn't the annual report have been more contrite?

The Guardian

Significantly, though, he finished the talk in almost contrite mode, declaring that "talent and people are at the centre of public service broadcasting.

The Guardian

Berisha, who played alongside Jurman at Brisbane Roar, was contrite after the game.

The Guardian - Sport

They now look desperate, cynical and chaotic.For all that, Mr Field's contrite cameo may, in its way, prove a more crucial moment: the moment (so Mr Brown will hope) at which Labour MPs drew back from the abyss.As the latest batch of Blair-era memoirs, from Cherie Blair, and others, again attests, the history of New Labour is a chronicle of feuds, rivalries, clashing egos and violent tantrums.

The Economist

Akio Toyoda, Toyota's boss, also appeared before Congress, contrite and apologetic.

The Economist

"I have been inconsiderate," the contrite former mayor of Seoul says.

The Economist

But he admitted that he should have been informed of the new aeroplane's production problems.Compared with Mr Lagardère, who has no operational role at EADS, the man who actually runs the group was not at all contrite.

The Economist

The scandal is affecting the reputation of other state Democrats, including the once untouchable and now rather contrite Mr Silver, who authorised the payment.

The Economist

In an uncharacteristically contrite Twitter message, Mr Uribe apologised for having named him to the post.

The Economist

Since the local government turned a budding local enterprise into China's biggest wholesale flower market in 1999, Dounan has become the main supplier of blooms to courting couples and contrite husbands across the country: demand fuelled by a middle-class boom.Yunnan has rapidly emerged as China's dominant flower-growing region.

The Economist

In his appearance before MPs, Mr Diamond, though polite and contrite, was keen to distinguish between two sorts of misdeeds by his bank.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrite" when you want to emphasize a sincere feeling of remorse and a desire to make amends for wrongdoing. Ensure the context clearly indicates the wrong action and the subsequent regret.

Common error

Avoid using "contrite" when a simple apology suffices. "Contrite" implies a deep sense of guilt and regret, not just a polite expression of sorry.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contrite" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing someone who is feeling or expressing remorse or penitence. Ludwig provides many examples where "contrite" modifies individuals in positions of authority or those who have committed a wrongdoing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "contrite" is an adjective used to describe someone showing sincere remorse for a wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and frequently used in English, particularly in contexts such as news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. To express a similar sentiment, alternatives like "remorseful" or "apologetic" can be used, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When employing "contrite", ensure that the context reflects a genuine sense of guilt and a desire to atone for the misdeed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remorseful

Focuses specifically on deep regret and guilt.

showing remorse

A phrase that describes the action of expressing regret.

apologetic

Emphasizes the expression of regret through apologies.

penitent

Highlights the act of seeking forgiveness and showing repentance.

rueful

Suggests sorrow and regret, often with a hint of resignation.

regretful

Directly expresses the feeling of regret about something.

ashamed

Indicates feeling shame and embarrassment due to wrongdoing.

compunctious

Implies a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

feeling sorry

A simple, direct way of expressing regret.

attritional

Focuses on wearing down through continuous reprentance. Less common usage.

FAQs

How to use "contrite" in a sentence?

"Contrite" is used to describe someone who feels remorse. For example: "After realizing the impact of his actions, he felt truly contrite."

What can I say instead of "contrite"?

You can use alternatives like "remorseful", "apologetic", or "penitent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "contrite" or "remorseful"?

Both "contrite" and "remorseful" are correct, but "contrite" often implies a deeper sense of regret and a desire to atone for one's actions, whereas "remorseful" simply indicates feeling sorry.

What's the difference between "contrite" and "apologetic"?

"Contrite" describes a deep feeling of remorse, while "apologetic" refers to expressing regret, often verbally. You can be apologetic without being truly contrite, and vice versa.