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penitent

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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.

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

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

Related Forms:

penitently adverb

See penitent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Feeling or expressing remorse for one's misdeeds or sins.

noun

One who is penitent.
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

Related Forms:

penˈi·tent·ly adverb

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