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Penitently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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penitently

[หˆpษ›nษชtษ™ntli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a remorseful or repentant manner

Penitently is an adverb that describes the manner in which someone is feeling or behaving. It indicates that the person is showing remorse or repentance for their actions. This word suggests a sense of regret or guilt for something that has been done.

Synonyms

regretfully, remorsefully, repentantly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
penitently

This word is often used in religious or moral contexts where someone feels true remorse and is seeking forgiveness for their actions. It implies a deep, sincere sense of fault.

  • He spoke penitently about the mistakes he had made in his youth, seeking absolution from his peers.
  • She kneeled penitently in the church, confessing her sins.
remorsefully

This word is used when someone feels a deep, emotional regret for their actions, often leading to a sense of guilt and sorrow.

  • He looked remorsefully at the damage he had caused, feeling a heavy burden of guilt.
  • She apologized remorsefully for her harsh words during the argument.
regretfully

This word is used when someone feels sorry about something they did or about a situation, but it may not necessarily mean they are seeking forgiveness or have a deep sense of guilt.

  • Regretfully, she announced that the project was not going to be finished on time.
  • He regretfully declined the invitation due to prior commitments.
repentantly

This word is similar to 'penitently' and is used in religious or moral contexts where someone feels deep remorse and seeks to make amends for their wrongdoings, indicating a desire to change.

  • He repented his past mistakes and sought to live a better life.
  • The thief returned the stolen goods and begged repentantly for forgiveness.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him penitently, hoping he would forgive her.
  • He spoke penitently about his mistakes and promised to make amends.
  • The child apologized penitently for breaking the vase.
  • I could see from her eyes that she was penitently sorry for what she had done.
  • He bowed his head penitently, acknowledging his fault.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling penitently can be associated with guilt, which has been shown to promote prosocial behavior, meaning you're likely to want to help others more.
  • Research suggests that expressing feelings of penitence can lead to emotional release, resulting in greater personal well-being.
  • Being in a penitential state may enhance empathy by making you more aware of the consequences your actions have on others.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, characters often show penitently after making grave mistakes, adding depth to their development and moral journey.
  • Shakespeare frequently explored themes of penitence in his plays, highlighting the conflict between human flaws and noble intentions.
  • The concept of penitence plays a pivotal role in many religious texts, conveying the importance of seeking redemption.

Cultural Practices

  • In several cultures, ritual acts of penitence are performed, often involving confession or public acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
  • Holidays like Yom Kippur in Judaism focus on themes of repentance and healing through penitential practices.
  • Many forms of art, from painting to music, depict the journey of feeling penitently, illustrating the struggle between guilt and the desire for forgiveness.

Religion

  • In Christianity, the concept of being penitently is vital during Lent, a season of fasting and reflection on Jesus' sacrifice.
  • The sacrament of confession in Catholicism calls for penitential acts as a way to demonstrate genuine remorse before seeking absolution.
  • Different religions identify various rituals and practices that express penitential feelings as a way to seek forgiveness from a higher power.

Origin of 'penitently'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'penitentia,' which means regret or sorrow.
  • The word structure includes the prefix 'penit-', which relates to the act of feeling remorseful or apologetic.
  • Many religious contexts use the term to describe the act of seeking forgiveness for sins.

The word 'penitently' originates from the Middle English word 'penitentli', which is derived from the Old French 'penitent' meaning 'repentant'. It ultimately comes from the Latin word 'paenitentem' meaning 'penitent'. The concept of penitence or remorse has been a part of religious and moral teachings throughout history, influencing the development of words like 'penitently' to describe feelings of regret or repentance.

See also: penitence, penitentiary.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,363, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.