— contritely , adv. — contriteness , n.
/keuhn truyt", kon"truyt/ , adj.
1. caused by or showing sincere remorse.
2. filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent: a contrite sinner.
[ 1300-50; ME contrit ( contritus worn down, crushed, ptp. of conterere. See CON-, TRITE ]
Syn. 2. rueful, remorseful, repentant.