Definition of "contrite" [con•trite]

• Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses; penitent. (adjective)
• Arising from or expressing contrition: contrite words. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "This book comes with its head down, in contrite manner, but its eyes sparkling for the adventures its had."
• "No apology, no matter how contrite, is ever deemed sufficient."
• "I just can't wait for the moment when John McCain -- contrite and suddenly honorable again in victory or defeat -- talks about how things got a little out of control in the passion of the moment."