The difference between Contrite and Sorry
When used as nouns, contrite means a contrite person, whereas sorry means the act of saying sorry.
When used as adjectives, contrite means sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one's own actions, whereas sorry means regretful for an action.
Sorry is also interjection with the meaning: expresses regret, remorse, or sorrow.
check bellow for the other definitions of Contrite and Sorry
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Contrite as an adjective:
Sincerely penitent or feeling regret or sorrow, especially for one's own actions; apologetic.
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Contrite as an adjective (obsolete):
Thoroughly bruised or broken.
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Contrite as a noun:
A contrite person; a penitent.
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Sorry as an adjective (of a person):
Regretful for an action; grieved or saddened, especially by the loss of something or someone.
Examples:
"I am sorry I stepped on your toes. It was an accident."
"I am sorry to hear of your uncle's death."
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Sorry as an adjective:
Poor, sad or regrettable.
Examples:
"The storm left his garden in a sorry state."
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Sorry as an adjective:
Pathetic and inferior to the point of causing others disgust.
Examples:
"Bob is a sorry excuse for a football player."
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Sorry as a noun:
The act of saying sorry; an apology.