Definition of Contrite:
Contrite (adjective): Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.
Synonyms: remorseful, repentant, sorry, apologetic
Antonyms: unrepentant, defiant, unashamed, unapologetic
Memory Tip: Remember “contrite” as “con-tried,” meaning someone who has tried to make amends and feels genuinely sorry for their actions.
Conversation and Short Story Examples
Here is how “contrite” can be used in a casual conversation:
- Laura: I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I’m really contrite about what I said.
Mike: I can see that you’re truly sorry. Let’s move on from this.
Let’s see how “contrite” can be used in a narrative context:
- After the argument, Sarah felt deeply contrite for the harsh words she had spoken to her sister. The guilt weighed on her heavily, and she knew that an apology was necessary. Later that evening, she knocked on her sister’s door, her heart pounding with anxiety. “I’m really sorry for what I said earlier,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion. Her sister looked at her for a moment before nodding. “I appreciate that,” she replied, sensing the genuine remorse in Sarah’s tone. The two embraced, both relieved to put the fight behind them. Sarah’s contrition was a testament to the strong bond they shared.
Everyday Conversations
Here are examples of how to use “contrite” in a sentence during everyday conversations. Each sentence using “contrite” shows how it might naturally come up in casual dialogue:
- She looked contrite after realizing the impact of her words.
- His contrite expression told me he truly regretted his actions.
- The child’s contrite apology melted his mother’s heart.
Business and Professional Settings
Here are sentences using “contrite” in a professional setting. These examples of “contrite” in a sentence demonstrate how it can be applied in business and work environments:
- The employee’s contrite demeanor after missing the deadline was evident to everyone in the meeting.
- After the mistake was pointed out, she offered a contrite apology and promised it wouldn’t happen again.
Educational and Academic Examples
These sentences show how “contrite” can be used in academic settings. Each sentence with “contrite” emphasizes its relevance in educational and scholarly contexts:
- The student was contrite after being caught cheating on the exam, apologizing profusely to the teacher.
- Despite his contrite attitude, the teacher insisted that the rules be followed, and he received a failing grade.
Social and Cultural Contexts
Here are examples of “contrite” in a sentence within social and cultural contexts. Each sentence for “contrite” highlights its application in discussions about society and culture:
- The politician’s contrite apology for his past remarks was met with skepticism by the public.
- In many cultures, public displays of contrition are considered essential to restoring one’s honor after a wrongdoing.
Part of Speech
Explore how “contrite” is used in different parts of speech:
- Adjective: His contrite apology was enough to mend the rift between them.
- Noun (Contrition): Her contrition was evident as she tried to make amends for her actions.
Tenses
Examples of “contrite” used in different tenses:
- Past Tense: She was contrite after realizing the impact of her actions.
- Present Tense: He is contrite every time he remembers the mistake he made.
- Future Tense: They will be contrite when they understand the consequences of their behavior.
Moods
How “contrite” is used in different moods:
- Imperative Mood: Be contrite and apologize for your mistake.
- Interrogative Mood: How contrite does he feel about what happened?
- Exclamatory Mood: How contrite he is after all that has happened!
Voices
How “contrite” is used in different voices:
- Active Voice: She expressed her contrition through a heartfelt letter of apology.
- Passive Voice: His contrition was felt by everyone in the room as he spoke.
Literary Devices
How “contrite” can be used in various literary devices:
- Metaphor: His contrite heart was a shattered glass, pieced together with sorrow and regret.
- Simile: She was as contrite as a child caught in a lie, eyes downcast and voice trembling.
- Personification: Contrition knocked at his door, demanding to be let in and acknowledged.
- Alliteration: The contrite convict confessed with sincerity and sorrow.
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