Compunctious is spelled with nine letters and is pronounced kəmˈpʌŋkʃəs, according to its IPA phonetic transcription. The word is an adjective that describes a person who feels guilty or remorseful about their actions. The spelling of compunctious contains the common "tion" suffix, which indicates an action or condition. The "punctious" part of the word is derived from the Latin word "pungere", meaning "to prick", referring to the sensation of being pricked in one's conscience.
"Compunctious" is an adjective that refers to a state of feeling remorseful or guilty about one's wrongdoing or unethical behavior. It is derived from the word "compunction," which means a strong sense of regret or unease due to moral conscience.
When describing a person or their behavior, "compunctious" implies that they are deeply aware of the consequences of their actions and feel genuine remorse for any harm they may have caused. Such individuals may have a highly developed moral compass, and their compunctious nature drives them to reflect on their actions and strive for personal growth.
Furthermore, "compunctious" can also describe a specific mood or atmosphere, indicating that there is a prevailing sense of guilt or remorse hanging over a situation or a group of people. For example, a compunctious silence may describe the heavy quietness that follows a morally questionable decision or event.
Overall, "compunctious" captures the essence of remorse and guilt, highlighting an individual's awareness of their wrongdoing and their willingness to confront and rectify it. It reflects the ability to experience and acknowledge one's moral failings, making it an important concept in discussions of ethics and personal accountability.
Repentant; full of remorse.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "compunctious" derives from the Latin word "compunctus", which translates to "pricked" or "stung" in English. This Latin term is the past participle of the verb "compungere", which can be broken down into "com-" (meaning "together") and "pungere" (meaning "to prick"). Hence, the etymology of "compunctious" suggests a feeling of being pricked or stabbed together, typically used to describe pangs of guilt or regret.