Get an English Tutor
English word contrite comes from Latin contritus (contrite, penitent, trite, hackneyed), which itself is a past participle of conterere (wear away), from a combination of con (together) + terere (rub)
con- (Latin)
together
terere (Latin)
rub
conterere (Latin)
Wear away, grind down
contritus (Latin)
Contrite; penitent. Trite, hackneyed.
contrit (Old French)
contrite (English)
(obsolete) Thoroughly bruised or broken.. Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one’s own actions; apologetic. A contrite person; a penitent.