adj.
Pronunciation: ' kän- ˌ tr ī t, k ə n- '
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English contrit, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin contritus, from Latin, past participle of conterere to grind, bruise, from com- + terere to rub ― more at THROW
Date: 14th century
: feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming <a contrite criminal> <a contrite apology> < contrite sighs>
– con · trite · ly adverb
– con · trite · ness noun