Standard Lemma guide

penitential

adj · noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɛnʃəl

1

adj

Meaning 1

Pertaining to penance or penitence.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A book or set of rules pertaining to the Christian sacrament of penance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adjective satellite

Meaning 3

showing or constituting penance

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • penitential tears
  • wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: penitentiary

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Medieval Latin paenitentiālis, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance”). Attested since the 16th century.