Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds: The word "penitent" describes the state of feeling regretful and sorry for having done something wrong, often with a desire to atone or make amends.

2. Noun:

   • (In religious contexts, especially Roman Catholic) a person who repents for wrongdoing: A "penitent" is an individual who confesses their sins and seeks forgiveness, often through a formal sacrament like penance.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • He was deeply penitent for his harsh words.
  • She gave a penitent apology, promising never to repeat the mistake.

• Noun:

  • The priest listened attentively to the penitent in the confessional.
  • In many traditions, a penitent seeks absolution for their sins.

Advanced Usage

• "To be penitent for": To feel remorse specifically for a particular action.

  • He was penitent for his role in the misunderstanding.

• "In a penitent mood/frame of mind": Describing a temporary state of feeling remorseful.

  • After the argument, she was in a penitent frame of mind.

Variants and Related Words

• Penitence (n): The state or quality of being penitent; repentance.

  • His face showed deep penitence.

• Penitential (adj): Relating to or expressing penitence or penance.

  • The pilgrimage was a penitential journey.

• Penitentiary (n): A prison for people convicted of serious crimes. (Note: This is a distinct, institutional meaning derived from the concept of penance).

Synonyms

• Adjective: Remorseful, contrite, repentant, regretful, sorry.
• Noun: Sinner, confessor, wrongdoer (specifically one seeking forgiveness).

Antonyms

• Adjective: Unrepentant, impenitent, remorseless, defiant.
• Noun (conceptual): The unrepentant; the defiant.

Related Phrases

• "A penitent heart": A sincere and remorseful attitude.

  • Forgiveness is offered to those with a penitent heart.

• "To hear a penitent": (Ecclesiastical) To listen to someone's confession.

  • It is the priest's duty to hear a penitent.

Adjective

1. feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds

Noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)