imperfect contrition

noun

See under contrition ( def 2 ).

Dictionary.com Unabridged

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

Synonyms
1. compunction, regret.

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To imperfect contrition

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Imperfect contrition is always a great word to know.

So is quincunx. Does it mean:

a fool or simpleton; ninny.

an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

contrition (kənˈtrɪʃən)

—n
1.	deeply felt remorse; penitence
2.	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)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

contrition

c.1300, from O.Fr. contricium, from L. contritionem, noun of action from conterere (see contrite).

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"... the aspiring immigrant ... is not content to progress alone. Solitary success is imperfect success in his eyes. He must take his family with him as he rises."

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imperfect contrition

imperfect contrition

con·tri·tion