Penitent Meaning in English
word
Definition
Feeling or showing regret for having done something wrong or for a sin; a penitent is also a person who feels or expresses sincere regret or repentance.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and literary; rarely used in everyday conversation. In religious contexts, often refers to someone confessing sins or seeking forgiveness. Common collocation: 'penitent look', 'penitent heart'. Not to be confused with 'repentant', which is similar but more common.
Example Sentences
The penitent child apologized for breaking the vase.
basic
She gave him a penitent look after lying to him.
basic
The penitent knelt in the church, asking for forgiveness.
basic
He sounded truly penitent during his apology at the meeting.
natural
Even the most penitent heart sometimes struggles to forgive itself.
natural
The judge saw how penitent he was and gave him a lighter sentence.
natural