Contritefeeling deep regret and sorrow for a wrong action describes someone who feels deep regreta sad feeling about something past that should not have happened and sorrow for something wrong they have done. It is often used in serious or moral contexts, especially when a person is truly sorry for a mistake, sin, or offensean act or remark that hurts, insults, or violates rules.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /kənˈtraɪt/
Easy pronunciation: kun-TRYTE (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the second syllable: trite.
Adjective meaning very sorry for doing something wrong.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Contrite Meaning
Very sorry for doing something wrong.
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: Feeling or expressing deep sorrow and regret for a wrong, sin, or offense.
Example: He sounded contrite after realizing how much his words had hurt her.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- remorseful — A strong match for the main sense of deep regret for wrongdoing.
- rueful — Can fit this sense when it means regretful or sorry, though it is sometimes used more lightly or with a sad, reflective tone.
- ruthful — Historically related to pity or sorrow, but less common and less natural in modern use.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Contrite Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- remorseful
- rueful
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not use contrite for ordinary disappointment; it usually means regret for doing something wrong.
- Contrite is more serious than simply sorry or upset.
- Rueful can overlap with contrite, but it often suggests mild regret or a wry, sad feeling rather than deep moral repentance.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does contrite mean in simple words?
Contrite means very sorry for something wrong you did.
What is a synonym for contrite?
Common synonyms include remorseful and, in some contexts, rueful.
Is contrite a positive word?
Not exactly. It is neutral to serious and usually describes someone who feels genuine regret after doing wrong.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-19. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.