What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contriteness
Example
He expressed contriteness for his hurtful words. [contriteness: noun]
Example
She felt a deep sense of contriteness for her actions. [contriteness: noun]
penitence
Example
He showed genuine penitence for his mistakes. [penitence: noun]
Example
She felt a strong sense of penitence for her past actions. [penitence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Penitence is more commonly used than contriteness in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between contriteness and penitence?
Both contriteness and penitence are formal words that are often used in serious or solemn contexts, such as religious or legal settings.
