penitent

The definition of penitent is feeling or showing remorse for something.

(adjective)

An example of penitent is a child who is sorry he misbehaved and who apologizes.

In the Roman Catholic religion, a penitent is a person who confesses his sins to a priest and does penance.

(noun)

An example of penitent is a person who confesses to a priest and then, as directed, says five Hail Marys.

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See penitent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

truly sorry for having sinned or done other wrong and willing to atone; contrite; repentant

Origin: OFr < L paenitens, prp. of paenitere, to repent; prob. akin to paene, scarcely: see passion

noun

  1. a penitent person
  2. a person receiving or intending to receive the sacrament of penance

Related Forms:

See penitent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
Feeling or expressing remorse for one's misdeeds or sins.
noun
  1. One who is penitent.
  2. A person performing penance under the direction of a confessor.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Medieval Latin pēnitēns, pēnitent-

Origin: , from Latin paenitēns

Origin: , present participle of paenitēre, to repent

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Related Forms:

  • penˈi·tent·ly adverb

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