be penitent

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformalreligion

   To feel or show sincere regret for having done something wrong, and to be willing to make amends.

   Grammar: The phrase describes a person's state of mind; it is often followed by 'for' or 'about'.

   Patterns

   • be penitent for + wrong
   • be penitent about + wrong
   • be penitent before + someone

   After the scandal, the politician said he was penitent for his actions.

   She was deeply penitent and asked for forgiveness.

   The priest told the congregation to be penitent for their sins.

Common combinations

be penitent for

He was penitent for the harm he had caused.

be deeply penitent

She was deeply penitent and wrote a letter of apology.

be truly penitent

The court wanted to see if the defendant was truly penitent.

be penitent about

He was penitent about his past mistakes.

Synonyms and how they differ

be remorseful

'Remorseful' is more common in everyday speech and focuses on the feeling of guilt, while 'penitent' often suggests a willingness to change or do penance.

be contrite

'Contrite' is a close synonym but is even more formal and often used in religious or legal writing.

be sorry

'Be sorry' is a general, everyday phrase; it does not necessarily imply a deep or lasting regret.

Opposites

Word family

penitence noun

The state of being penitent; deep regret for wrongdoing.

penitentiary noun

A prison, especially in the US; related through the idea of punishment and reform.

penitential adjective

Relating to penance or expressing regret.

Commonly confused: be penitent or penitentiary?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “be penitent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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