penitent
UK: /ˈpɛnɪtənt/ | US: /ˈpɛnɪtənt/
adj. feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant
n. a person who repents their sins or wrongdoings
penitent = pen<regret> + it<go> + ent<adjective suffix>
- pen<regret>: From Latin paenitēre (to regret, repent).
- it<go>: From Latin -ire (verb-forming suffix, indicating action).
- ent<adjective suffix>: From Latin -entem (present participle ending, forming adjectives).
Etymology Origin:
The word penitent traces back to Latin paenitent- (stem of paenitens), the present participle of paenitēre (to regret). The root pen- reflects the core idea of regret, while -it- and -ent grammaticalize the action and its resulting state. Over time, the term evolved in Old French as penitent, retaining its dual role as both adjective ("repentant") and noun ("one who repents"). The word’s structure vividly captures the progression from regret (pen) to the act of repentance (it) and its enduring state (ent).
The penitent man knelt in prayer, seeking forgiveness.
She spoke in a penitent tone after realizing her mistake.
The priest offered guidance to the penitents during confession.
His penitent letter moved those he had wronged.
Only a truly penitent heart can embrace redemption.