contritely

IPA/kənˈtraɪtli/
IPA/kənˈtraɪtli/

contritely — adverb

1. with genuine regret and a sense of personal fault for a past mistake; in a manne

1.副詞C1
釋義

with genuine regret and a sense of personal fault for a past mistake; in a manner that displays deep sorrow and a wish to make things right, for example by apologizing or behaving humbly

例句

Owen looked down contritely after breaking his sister's favorite vase.

collocation: look down contritely

I am so sorry," Sirin whispered contritely as she handed back the torn library book.

collocation: whisper contritely

同義詞
  • remorsefully

    equally intense but slightly more emotional; focuses on the inner pain of guilt

  • apologetically

    less intense; focuses on the outward expression of regret rather than deep inner remorse

  • repentantly

    carries religious or moral overtones of turning away from sin

  • regretfully

    broader in use; can describe regret for things one did not cause (e.g. 'regretfully, the event was canceled')

反義詞
  • defiantly

    showing open resistance rather than remorse

  • unrepentantly

    without any sign of guilt or desire to change

用法筆記

Most common with verbs of speaking (admitted, whispered, said) or gestures of submission (looked down, shook his head, lowered her eyes).

常見錯誤

❌He contritely explained that the train was late.
✅He contritely explained that he had missed the train because he overslept.
💡'Contritely' is only appropriate when the speaker feels personally responsible for the bad outcome, not when describing an unavoidable situation.