Remorse: Definition and Synonyms
Remorse – Definition and Part of Speech
Remorse is a noun that describes a deep and persistent feeling of regret or guilt for having done something wrong. It involves an emotional response to one’s actions, often leading to a desire to make amends.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrition | Conveys a formal and sincere sorrow for sins or offenses. Often used in religious contexts. | “Her contrition was evident as she apologized.” | Formal/Religious |
| Regret | A milder feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened, possibly without the moral dimension. | “He expressed regret for missing the meeting.” | Informal/Formal |
| Guilt | Refers to the emotional discomfort associated with one’s actions or thoughts considered morally wrong. | “Guilt was gnawing at her conscience all night long.” | Academic/Informal |
| Penitence | Suggests a formal expression of sorrow for wrongdoing, often accompanied by a desire for forgiveness. | “He showed penitence for his past mistakes.” | Formal/Literary |
Usage Notes
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Contrition: Often used in contexts requiring a display of sincere remorse or repentance, such as religious ceremonies or formal apologies.
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Regret: Suitable for both casual and formal contexts. It is less intense than remorse and can refer to any kind of disappointment, not just moral wrongdoings.
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Guilt: This term is widely applicable in various fields like psychology or literature. It implies an internal feeling rather than a public admission of wrongdoing.
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Penitence: Typically used in literary or formal contexts, where there might be an implication of seeking forgiveness from others or a higher power.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusion with Regret: While both terms involve sorrow over past actions, remorse is specifically tied to moral wrongdoings, whereas regret can refer to any negative outcome.
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Mistaking Guilt for Remorse: Guilt involves an internal feeling of being at fault, while remorse includes not only this emotional response but also a desire to rectify the wrongdoing.
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Overusing Formal Synonyms: While terms like contrition and penitence are powerful, they may seem out of place in everyday conversation due to their formal nature.
Final Recap
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Remorse is about deep regret for moral wrongs with an intent to make amends.
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Contrition emphasizes a religious or highly sincere context of remorse.
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Regret is less intense and more general, applicable to non-moral disappointments as well.
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Guilt focuses on the internal emotional state linked to wrongdoing, not necessarily involving public acknowledgment or repentance.
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Penitence indicates a formal expression of sorrow, often with an eye towards forgiveness.
By understanding these nuances, learners can enrich their vocabulary and effectively convey varying degrees of remorse in different contexts. Practice using these terms in writing exercises or conversation to deepen your grasp of each word’s unique shade of meaning.