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Definition of penitently

penitently

/ˈpɛn.ə.tənt.li/
pen · i · tent · ly
Adjective:penitent
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penitently Lexical Profile

penitently Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that expresses or shows deep sorrow and regret for having done wrong; with contrition or repentance.

Example

"The student stood penitently before the principal and apologized for his disruptive behavior."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

penitence
penitent
penitentiary
penitently
penknife
penlight
penlike

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'penitent' and the adverbial suffix '-ly'. The base word derives via Old French from the Latin 'paenitentem', the present participle of 'paenitere', meaning to repent or be sorry.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Penitently. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/penitently
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