Penitent - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A penitent is someone who feels or expresses sincere regret for their wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness. The term often relates to remorse in religious or moral contexts.
Definition:
Feeling or showing sorrow for wrongdoing; repentant.
Synonyms:
remorseful, contrite, regretful, apologetic
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Antonyms:
unrepentant, defiant
Common Collocations:
penitent sinner, penitent prayer, penitent confession
Derivatives:
penitence, penitently
Usage Tips:
Use "penitent" to describe someone genuinely sorry for their mistakes, often in a religious or moral context.
Common Phrases:
penitent heart, act penitent, full of penitence
Etymology:
From Latin *paenitentem*, meaning "repenting," derived from *paenitere* (to regret).
Examples:
- 1. The penitent man confessed his sins to the priest.
- 2. She looked penitent after realizing her harsh words had hurt her friend.
- 3. The judge showed mercy to the penitent defendant.
- 4. He wrote a penitent letter apologizing for his actions.