contrite
/kənˈtɹaɪt/
Group 2Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence GRE
Example in Context
The executive's contrite public apology, accompanied by concrete remedial steps, went some way toward rebuilding the trust that the scandal had eroded.
Synonyms
sorryremorsefulregretful
Etymology
Means 'worn down' from guilt, reflecting remorse or penitence.
- contritus (Latin) — worn down
Memory Aid
😔Sounds like “con try”
Imagine someone saying, 'I CON-TRY to feel sorry!' while looking very guilty — that’s CONTRITE!
Visual Association
😢A puppy with big sad eyes, looking truly sorry for chewing the couch.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Confusable Pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “contrite” mean on the GRE?
contrite (adjective) means “Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence”. The executive's contrite public apology, accompanied by concrete remedial steps, went some way toward rebuilding the trust that the scandal had eroded.
How to remember “contrite” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “contrite” sounds like “con try”. Imagine someone saying, 'I CON-TRY to feel sorry!' while looking very guilty — that’s CONTRITE!
What are synonyms for “contrite”?
Common synonyms: sorry, remorseful, regretful.