imperfect contrition

noun

See under contrition(def 2).

Words nearby imperfect contrition

imperceptive, impercipient, imperf., imperfect, imperfect competition, imperfect contrition, imperfect flower, imperfect fungus, imperfect stage, imperfectible, imperfection

Definition for imperfect contrition (2 of 2)

contrition
[ kuhn-trish-uhn ]
/ kənˈtrɪʃ ən /

noun

sincere penitence or remorse.
Theology. sorrow for and detestation of sin with a true purpose of amendment, arising from a love of God for His own perfections (perfect contrition), or from some inferior motive, as fear of divine punishment (imperfect contrition).

Origin of contrition

1250–1300; Middle English contricio(u)n (< Anglo-French) < Late Latin contrītiōn- (stem of contrītiō). See contrite, -ion

SYNONYMS FOR contrition

1 compunction, regret.

British Dictionary definitions for imperfect contrition

contrition
/ (kənˈtrɪʃən) /

noun

deeply felt remorse; penitence
Christianity detestation of past sins and a resolve to make amends, either from love of God (perfect contrition) or from hope of heaven (imperfect contrition)