Cŏn'trīte, a.

(Synop., § 130), a. [Lat. contritus, p. p. of conterere, to grind, to bruise, from con and terere, to rub, to grind; Sp., It., & Pg. contrito, Fr. & Pr. contrit.] Broken down with grief or penitence; deeply sorrowful for sin; humble; penitent.

A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Ps. li. 17.

Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite. Milton.

Synonyms—Penitent; repentant; humble; sorrowful.