# contrite

> English word · Adjective · IPA /kənˈtɹaɪt/ · frequency rank #54,091

## Definitions
1. Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions.
2. Thoroughly bruised or broken.

## Etymology
From Middle English contrit, from Old French contrit, from Latin contrītus (literally “ground to pieces”), perfect passive participle of conterō (“grind, bruise”), from con- + terō (“rub, wear away”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/contrite