Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
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Penitent
Feeling remorseful for one’s wrongdoings and showing a desire to make amends; repentant.
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Imagine This
Imagine a person who has just hurt someone stepping into a quiet chapel, head bowed, hands clasped, quietly asking for forgiveness and promising to change.
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Sounds Like
PEN-i-tent
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Looks Like
Resembles related forms like penitence and penitential; shares the same root about remorse.
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Remember This
Penitent is tied to the noun penance and the adjective penitential; all derive from Latin paenitēre 'to regret'.
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Other Forms
penitencenoun
penitentnoun
penitentialadjective
penitentlyadverb
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Connect With
repentance, remorse, contrition, apology, atonement
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Note
Penitent describes a state or feeling (remorse). As a noun, 'a penitent' refers to a person who repents. Distinguish from 'repentant' in some contexts; they are closely related but not always interchangeable.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The penitent thief asked the crowd for forgiveness as he faced the judge.
- Her penitent letter expressed sincere remorse for hurting her friend.
Synonyms
contriteremorsefulrepentantapologetic
Antonyms
unrepentantimpenitentdefiant
Etymology
From Latin paenitent-, paenitēre 'to regret, to feel remorse', via Old French penitence; related to penance and penitential.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: Pen it, ent. Remember: when you pen an apology, you show penitence.
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Tenacity
nounThe quality of being persistent and determined; the ability to persevere and hold fast to a goal despite obstacles.
Politic
adjectiveHaving or showing good judgment, tact, and prudence in dealing with others; prudent and tactful in social or political matters.
Foster
verbTo encourage the development or growth of something; to nurture and support.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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