penitent

1 of 2

adjective

pen·​i·​tent ˈpe-nə-tənt 

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

penitently adverb

penitent

2 of 2

noun

1

: a person who repents of sin

2

: a person under church censure but admitted to penance or reconciliation especially under the direction of a confessor

Synonyms

Adjective

• ashamed
• sorry
• remorseful
• repentant
• contrite
• apologetic
• regretful

Examples of penitent in a Sentence

Adjective

a penitent gossip who had come to ask for forgiveness

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

When in the presence of God, one is meant to assume a penitent air. —Literary Hub, 20 June 2025

For his part, the boy is quiet and seems penitent, making the cell a calming refuge for Dean within an institution unofficially ruled by a cutthroat mini mob boss, Freddie (Ishay Lalosh). —Judy Berman, Time, 2 May 2025

Noun

This absolute confidentiality helps give penitents the confidence to approach confession forthrightly, without holding back. —Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025

Stock image shows a priest in the confessional recites the rosary awaiting penitent. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for penitent

• impenitent

Kids Definition

penitent

noun

: a person who repents or is doing penance