Perfect contrition (from
Latin contero "grind, crush, pound to pieces") in
Catholic theology is a repentance for
sin that is motivated by faith and the love of God. It contrasts with
imperfect contrition, which arises from a less pure motive, such as common decency, or fear of
Hell. The two types of contrition are distinguished by a person's motive for repentance, rather than the intensity of ones feelings or emotions. It is possible for perfect and imperfect contrition to be experienced simultaneously.