Penitent: meaning, definitions and examples

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penitent

 

[ ˈpɛnɪtənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Feeling or expressing remorse for one's misdeeds or sins; repentant.

Synonyms

regretful, remorseful, repentant

Examples of usage

  • He was deeply penitent for his actions.
  • She spoke in a soft, penitent voice.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

A person who repents their sins and seeks forgiveness.

Synonyms

contrite, remorseful, repentant

Examples of usage

  • The penitents gathered in the church to seek absolution.
  • She lived the rest of her life as a penitent, seeking redemption.

Translations

Translations of the word "penitent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penitente

🇮🇳 प्रायश्चित करने वाला

🇩🇪 reumütig

🇮🇩 bertobat

🇺🇦 покаянний

🇵🇱 pokutujący

🇯🇵 悔い改めた

🇫🇷 pénitent

🇪🇸 penitente

🇹🇷 tövbekar

🇰🇷 참회하는

🇸🇦 تائب

🇨🇿 kající se

🇸🇰 kajúcny

🇨🇳 悔罪

🇸🇮 kesajoč

🇮🇸 iðrandi

🇰🇿 тәубе етуші

🇬🇪 მობრუნებული

🇦🇿 tövbə edən

🇲🇽 penitente

Word origin

The word 'penitent' originated from the Latin word 'paenitent-' (stem of paenitens), present participle of paenitere 'make sorry', from paene 'almost' + a base of unknown origin. The concept of penitence has deep roots in religious and moral traditions, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for one's wrongdoings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,583, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.