contrition
UK[kənˈtrɪʃn]US[kənˈtrɪʃn]
n
The state of feeling very sorry and guilty for something bad you have done.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
trit
ion
con
together
trit
ion
Etymology
The word "contrition" originates from the Latin verb conterere, meaning "to grind together, to wear down, to crush." This literal sense evolved metaphorically in ecclesiastical Latin, where contritio described the profound, crushing sorrow of a conscience weighed down by sin. The term entered English via Old French, carrying this specific theological meaning of remorse so complete it grinds down the heart. Over time, its usage broadened from a strictly religious context to describe any deep and sincere feeling of guilt and regret for a wrongdoing.
Analysis
Structure: con + trit + ion
con- (Latin origin): A prefix meaning "together" or "completely," intensifying the action of the root.
trit (Latin origin): From the root of the verb terere (to rub, to wear down, to grind).
-ion (Latin origin via French): A noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or state.
Examples
He expressed profound contrition for the pain his actions had caused.
In her letter of apology, there was a genuine sense of contrition.
The judge considered the defendant's apparent contrition during sentencing.