English vocabulary · C1
Penitent
/ˈpen.ɪ.tənt/ · adj., n.
It means feeling deep regret for doing wrong, and wanting to make it right. A penitent person is truly sorry — not just saying the words.
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Example sentences
- He stood before the judge, looking truly penitent.
- She wrote a penitent letter asking for forgiveness.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pen — punishment (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SORRY — feeling regret for something (Everyday & Casual)
- REMORSEFUL — feeling strong guilt inside (Deep & Painful)
- CONTRITE — openly showing regret (Formal & Sincere)
Words with the same root
pen — punishment
- penalty — a punishment for breaking a rule
- repent — to feel sorry and want to change
- penance — an act done to show you are sorry
Lesson notes
Penitent. It means feeling deep regret for doing wrong, and wanting to make it right. A penitent person is truly sorry — not just saying the words.
Similar words are sorry, remorseful, and contrite. Use penitent when someone feels deep regret and wants to fix what they did wrong.
He stood before the judge, looking truly penitent. She wrote a penitent letter asking for forgiveness.
From Latin. pen- means punishment. Feeling the full weight of punishment inside yourself — that is penitent.