impenitent
UK: ɪmˈpɛnɪtənt | US: ɪmˈpɛnɪtənt
adj. not feeling regret or remorse for one's actions; unrepentant
impenitent = im<not> + penitent<regretful>
- im (prefix): From Latin in- (not), assimilated to im- before p. Indicates negation.
- penitent (root): From Latin paenitent- (regretful), derived from paenitere (to repent). Retains the core meaning of remorse or repentance.
Etymology Origin:
The word impenitent combines the negative prefix im- with penitent, which traces back to Latin paenitentia (repentance). The prefix im- flips the meaning to "not repentant," reflecting a steadfast refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing. This logical negation has persisted unchanged since its adoption into English in the 16th century.
The impenitent criminal showed no remorse during the trial.
Her impenitent attitude angered those she had wronged.
Despite the evidence, he remained impenitent about his mistakes.
The dictator’s impenitent speech shocked the international community.
An impenitent heart often leads to repeated errors.