
The penitent child was consoled by her mother.
- The definition of penitent is feeling or showing remorse for something.
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.
An example of penitent is a person who confesses to a priest and then, as directed, says five Hail Marys.
penitent

truly sorry for having sinned or done other wrong and willing to atone; contrite; repentant
Origin of penitent
Old French from Classical Latin paenitens, present participle of paenitere, to repent; probably akin to paene, scarcely: see passion- a penitent person
- a person receiving or intending to receive the sacrament of penance
penitent

adjective
Feeling or expressing remorse for one's misdeeds or sins; contrite.
noun
- One who is penitent.
- A person performing penance under the direction of a confessor.
Origin of penitent
Middle English from Old French from Medieval Latin pēnitēns pēnitent- from Latin paenitēns present participle of paenitēre to repentRelated Forms:
- pen′i·tent·ly
adverb
penitent

Adjective
(comparative more penitent, superlative most penitent)
Noun
(plural penitents)