contritely
UK[kənˈtraɪtli]US[kənˈtraɪtli]
adv
in a way that shows you are very sorry and ashamed for something bad you have done
Morpheme Breakdown
con
trite
ly
con
together, with,
trite
ly
Etymology
the word "contritely" originates from the latin verb 'conterere', meaning "to grind together, to wear down." this literal sense of being crushed or ground down evolved metaphorically in ecclesiastical latin to describe a conscience thoroughly worn down or crushed by guilt, leading to the adjective "contrite." the adverbial form "contritely" emerged in middle english by appending the old english adverbial suffix "-ly" to this adjective. thus, the modern meaning of acting in a remorseful and penitent manner retains the core metaphorical idea of being emotionally ground down by regret.
Analysis
Structure: con + trite + ly
- con- (latin): a prefix meaning "together, with," intensifying the meaning of the root.
- trite (latin): from the past participle stem of 'terere', meaning "to rub, wear down, grind."
- -ly (old english): a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
he apologized contritely for his thoughtless remark.
she nodded contritely, promising never to make the same mistake again.
the letter was contritely written, full of sincere regret.