rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypenitentSorrow for wrongdoing
adjective / noun

penitent

PEN-ih-tunt/ˈpenɪtənt/

Feeling sorry for wrongdoing, or a person who feels this way.

The penitent adult apologizes while gathering pieces of the broken bowl.

An adult apologizes for breaking a friend's ceramic bowl while carefully gathering its pieces; visible sorrow for their own action.
Etymology
penitLatincause or feel regret
+entLatinpresent participle ending

The participial form describes someone feeling regret. Penitent applies that feeling specifically to one's own offenses or sins, making it an expression of repentance rather than general sadness.

In context

National Geographic26:28
she's not going to the gallows as a kind of a penitent sinner admitting her guilt. She's actually saying, you guys got it wrong.
The Salem Witch Hunt (Full Episode) | Witches: Truth Behind the Trials | National Geographic

More examples

  • She writes a penitent letter to the friend she hurt.
  • His penitent expression does not erase the harm he caused.
  • The penitent asks the priest for forgiveness.

Forms

penitent · penitents

penitence noun — Sorrow or regret for past wrongdoing.

penitently adverb — In a way that shows remorse.

Similar words

remorseful
Emphasizes deep guilt and distress over one's own wrongdoing.
contrite
Often suggests humble regret and a willingness to make amends.
repentant
More strongly suggests a resolve to stop doing wrong.