The breaking of their parts into less parts by
contrition. --Sir I.
Newton.
2. The state of being contrite; deep sorrow and repentance
for sin, because sin is displeasing to God; humble
penitence; through repentance.
My future days shall be one whole contrition.
--Dryden.
Syn: repentance; penitence; humiliation; compunction;
self-reproach; remorse.
Usage: {Contrition}, {Attrition}, {repentance}. -- Contrition
is deep sorrow and self-condemnation, with through
repetance for sin because it is displeasing to God,
and implies a feeling of love toward God. Attrition is
sorrow for sin, or imperfect repentance produced by
fear of punishment or a sense of the baseness of sin.
Repentance is a penitent renunciation of, and turning
from, sin; thorough repentance produces a new life.
Repentance is often used as synonymous with
contrition. See {Compunction}.