In Latin, mordere means "to bite;" thus, remorse is something that "gnaws" at you over and over. In criminal court, judges are always looking for signs that a convicted felon is suffering remorse for his crime; if not, the judge may well lengthen his sentence or deny him parole after serving part of it. Remorse is stronger than mere regret; real remorse is the kind of thing that may last a lifetime.
penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.
absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence
repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.
repentance accompanied by a complete change of character
contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.
tearful expressions of contrition
compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.
had no compunctions about taking back what is mine
remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.
thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse
Example Sentences
I could forgive him for what he did if he showed some remorse. he felt a deep remorse for having neglected his family over the years
Recent Examples on the WebThat apparent lack of remorse convinced Emmet G. Sullivan, senior judge of the U.S. District Count in Washington, D.C., to deny Whitton’s request to be released on bond. Chris Joyner, ajc, 13 Sep. 2022 That’s why the current controversy surrounding San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis, Jr. offers such a useful reminder of the power of remorse in the context of an apology. Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022 In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson’s lack of remorse as a factor in her decision. Tom Withers, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2022 In her conclusion, Robinson cited Watson's lack of remorse as a factor in her decision.CBS News, 18 Aug. 2022 Deshaun Watson finally showed some remorse for the decisions that led him to the point of possibly being banished from the NFL for at least a year.cleveland, 12 Aug. 2022 Casey White showed no remorse after the capture, authorities say A task force from Alabama descended on Evansville and teamed up with deputies and marshals in Indiana. Faith Karimi, CNN, 13 May 2022 Maynor showed no remorse for the slaying, bragging to a friend on a jail phone call about all the news stories about him and laughing, according to a court document filed by Deputy District Attorney Victor Avila. Brian Melley, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2022 The probable cause statement from Scottsdale police said Lawson showed no remorse. Mackenzie Brower, The Arizona Republic, 19 Oct. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French remors, from Medieval Latin remorsus, from Late Latin, act of biting again, from Latin remordēre to bite again, from re- + mordēre to bite — more at mordant