contrition

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'contrition' is correct and usable in written English.
Contrition typically describes the act of feeling remorse or regret for wrongdoings. For example, "The accused prisoner expressed contrition for his actions, asking for forgiveness from the court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the group that campaigns against antisemitism, the Anti-Defamation League, has gone on the record saying they are happy that Galliano has learned his lesson and they "believe that individuals can change as long as they demonstrate true contrition".

The Guardian - Opinion

Or maybe Scott will wear the Cleo headdress in a spirit of contrition?

The Guardian - Film

The BBC had consumed "buckets of contrition", he said.

The Guardian

But it raises the issue of how we should mark the landscapes and legacies of coal that have been buried by both the political traumas of the miners strike and our contemporary contrition over climate change.

The Guardian

Pause for contrition.

The Guardian

He reportedly demanded a letter from President Barack Obama expressing contrition for military mistakes in the past and a commitment to avoid them in the future.

The Economist

Just days before Mr Lebedev's arrest, another of them, Vladimir Potanin of the Interros group, made a public show of contrition for past excesses and of fealty to United Russia, the coalition in the Duma that backs the Kremlin.So will the St Petersburgers win out?

The Economist

There should be outrage at his mistaken beliefs, his senseless actions and his complete lack of contrition.

The Economist

Just as they learnt too late of the public's growing intolerance as well as scrutiny of the former sleazy links between business and government, so now they risk underestimating the price of contrition.

The Economist

If Chevron does not apologise within 15 days, the fine may be hiked to an incredible $17.2 billion.Yet Chevron shows no sign of contrition.

The Economist

Even if, through good fortune, nobody is seriously hurt, why should French cities have to accept the consequences of English thuggery?The second reason to contemplate English withdrawal is to make a real gesture of national contrition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contrition" when you want to convey a sense of sincere remorse and penitence for wrongdoing, often implying a desire for forgiveness or reconciliation.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "contrition", which means remorse, with "attrition", which refers to gradual reduction or wearing away. Using "attrition" when you mean "contrition" can significantly alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "contrition" functions as a noun, denoting the state of feeling remorseful and penitent. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English, highlighting examples where it signifies sincere regret for wrongdoing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "contrition" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun used to express sincere remorse or penitence. According to Ludwig AI, it's a term validated for use in English writing. Primarily found in news, formal business, and, to a lesser extent, scientific contexts, "contrition" conveys a profound sense of regret, often implying a desire for forgiveness. While synonyms such as "remorse" and "repentance" exist, "contrition" often suggests a deeper level of penitence. It's crucial to avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like "attrition", which has a different meaning. Using it correctly enhances the gravity and sincerity of the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contriteness

A direct synonym emphasizing the state of being contrite.

remorse

Expresses deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.

repentance

Indicates sincere regret and turning away from wrongdoing, often in a religious context.

remorsefulness

Highlights the state of feeling deep regret and sorrow.

penitence

Emphasizes the act of expressing sorrow and seeking forgiveness.

deep regret

Emphasizes the intensity of the regret felt.

regret

A general feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

compunction

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

ruefulness

Expresses sorrow or regret in a slightly melancholic way.

self-reproach

Implies blaming oneself for past actions.

FAQs

How can I use "contrition" in a sentence?

"Contrition" is typically used to describe a feeling of remorse. For example, "The defendant expressed deep "contrition" for his crimes."

What's the difference between ""contrition"" and "remorse"?

While both denote regret, ""contrition"" often implies a deeper sense of penitence and a desire for forgiveness, whereas "remorse" simply expresses sorrow for one's actions.

What are some alternatives to using the word "contrition"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "remorse", "repentance", or "regret".

Is "contrition" a formal or informal word?

"Contrition" is generally considered a formal word, often used in legal, religious, or serious contexts. In more casual settings, "regret" or "sorrow" might be more appropriate.