Main Entry:

¹pen·i·tent

Pronunciation:

\-tənt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French penitent, from Latin paenitent-, paenitens, from present participle of paenitēre to cause regret, feel regret, perhaps from paene almost

Date:

14th century

: feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses : repentant

— pen·i·tent·ly adverb