PsychologyAugust 30, 2026

contrition

kun-TRIH-shun

Definition

The sincere state of feeling remorse or guilt for one's actions, often accompanied by a desire to seek forgiveness or make amends.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'contritio,' meaning 'a bruising' or 'grinding,' which was used metaphorically to describe the 'crushing' of one's spirit or pride through sincere repentance.

In the news

In this article, the author argues that the character Tony fails to follow a true coming-of-age arc because he lacks sufficient contrition for his selfish behavior. The author notes that therapists must determine if a patient's level of contrition is enough to lead to genuine psychological growth.

Why “Tony” Fails and What Therapists Can Learn From It

Read the full article ↗

Psychology Today

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