How Do You Spell PENITENT?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛnɪtənt] (IPA)

The word "penitent" is spelled with four syllables: [ˈpɛn.ɪ.tənt]. The stress falls on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as "pen", like the writing instrument, followed by the short "i" sound as in "win". The second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound as in "uh", followed by "t" and "eh" sounds. The third syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound, and the final syllable is pronounced with the "nt" sound. "Penitent" means feeling regretful or remorseful for one's wrongdoing.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
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PENITENT Meaning and Definition

  1. The word "penitent" is an adjective that describes someone who feels remorse or sincere regret for their wrongdoings or sins. A person who is penitent is genuinely sorry for their actions and seeks to make amends for their behavior. They acknowledge their faults, take responsibility for their actions, and show a willingness to change their ways.

    In a religious context, penitence refers to the act of confessing one's sins and seeking forgiveness from a higher power. It involves a deep sense of guilt and a desire to be spiritually cleansed. A penitent individual may engage in acts of self-reflection, prayer, or acts of charity to demonstrate their repentance.

    Beyond its religious connotations, penitent can also be used more broadly to describe someone who exhibits remorse or regret in a non-religious context. This could involve feeling sorry for causing harm to others, making mistakes, or failing to live up to one's own standards.

    The trait of being penitent is often associated with humility and a genuine desire to make amends. It implies a recognition of one's fallibility and a commitment to personal growth and self-improvement. A penitent person may show signs of remorse through sincere apologies, acts of restitution, or a commitment to change their behavior in the future.

  2. • Sorrowful in heart on account of sins and faults; contrite.
    • One who is sorrowful on account of his transgressions; one lying under church censure, but admitted to do penance; one who is under the direction of a confessor.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PENITENT

Etymology of PENITENT

The word "penitent" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "paenitēns", which is the present participle of the verb "paenitere" meaning "to repent" or "to feel regret". In Latin, "paenitēns" refers to someone who feels remorse or contrition for their wrongdoings. This Latin term later borrowed into Old French as "penitent", which then entered into Middle English and has been in use with the same meaning since then.

Similar spelling words for PENITENT

Plural form of PENITENT is PENITENTS

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Correct spelling for penitent
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