Contrite

"Contrite" is a word that is often used, but what does it actually mean? According to the dictionary, it means "feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a wrong done." In other words, it's being sorry for something you did wrong.

But what does that actually look like? Is it groveling and begging for forgiveness? Is it making a grand gesture to try to make up for what you did? Or is it something else entirely?

Learn the meaning of the word Contrite

The word "contrite" is derived from the Latin contritus, which means "crushed." When you are contrite, you are deeply sorrowful and repentant for having committed a wrong. It is not enough to simply feel guilty; you must also have a sincere desire to make things right.

Definition of Contrite

The word "contrite" comes from the Latin contrītus, meaning "crushed" or "worn down." When you're contrite, you're full of remorse for something you did wrong. A contrite sinner is someone who's truly sorry for their sins and wants to change their ways.

Etymology of Contrite

The word contrite is derived from the Latin word contritus, which means “crushed.” The literal meaning of contrite is “to be crushed or ground into small pieces.” When applied to the spiritual realm, it takes on the meaning of “feeling regret or sorrow for one’s sins or offenses.”

The first use of the word contrite in English was in the 14th century. It appeared in the Wycliffe Bible Translation, which was a translation of the Bible into Middle English: “For þu þouymest þi þeos þat ben giltys of synne; þerfore God techiþ þi wey þat is good and brynge þe out of treuthe into liȝtnesse.”

In this passage, the word contrite is used to describe those who are guilty of sin and are in need of God’s forgiveness. The biblical definition of contrite is “mournful or sorry for having done wrong; penitent.” This definition is in line with the modern understanding of contrite as feeling regret or sorrow for one’s actions.

When someone is said to have a “contrite heart,” it means that they are truly remorseful for their actions and are seeking forgiveness. A contrite person recognizes the error of their ways and is sincerely sorry for causing pain or harm. A contrite person may also make amends for their wrongdoings as a way to show they are truly remorseful and have changed their ways.