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DictionarypenitentialRepentance
adjective

penitential

pen-ih-TEN-shul/ˌpenɪˈtenʃl/

Expressing or relating to repentance for wrongdoing.

The kneeling person's penitential posture expresses repentance beside the cross.

A modestly dressed adult kneels in quiet repentance beside a plain cross and small candle, hands open and head bowed; penitential attitude, no self-punishment injury.
Etymology
penitentiLatinrepentance
+alLatinpertaining to

The adjective connects repentance with things that express or enact it. Its early sense, “done as penance,” shows how inward regret could be expressed through acts intended to make amends.

In context

Carmelite Monks of Wyoming3:28
one of the Carmelite penitential practices
Carmelite Monks on EWTN: Fr. Chris Alar Living Divine Mercy

More examples

  • The congregation kneels for a penitential prayer.
  • He adopts a penitential tone when he admits his mistake.
  • Lent is a penitential season of reflection and self-denial.

Forms

penitential

penitence noun — Sincere regret for wrongdoing or sin.

penitent adjective — Feeling regret for wrongdoing or sin.

Similar words

repentant
Describes someone feeling regret, rather than practices expressing repentance.
contrite
Emphasizes deep, sincere remorse rather than formal acts of penance.