Spanish Conversation · Level 20
90 words
Spanish word
penitente
Pronunciation
IPA/peniˈtente/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)penitent
Example
El penitente confesó sus pecados ante el sacerdote.
The penitent confessed his sins to the priest.
More examples
Aunque dijo que estaba arrepentido, algunos lo vieron como un penitente fingido.
Although he claimed to be repentant, some saw him as a sham penitent.
Core concept
Person with bowed head seeking forgiveness.
Common phrases
ser un penitente
be a penitent
parecer penitente
appear to be a penitent
Similar words
arrepentido: Feels sincere remorse for wrongdoing and seeks to change behavior and make amends.
pecador: Commits actions that violate religious teachings and is morally guilty in a faith context.
Definition in Spanish
Persona que, por remordimiento o por motivos religiosos, busca perdón mediante la confesión o prácticas de penitencia.
Word origin
From Latin paenitens, the present participle of paenitēre 'to regret', referring to someone who seeks forgiveness through confession or penance.
Usage tips
- In Spanish religious life penitente often denotes participants in Holy Week processions or other visible acts of penance, so expect the word in religious contexts rather than everyday talk.
Opposites
- impenitenteunrepentant personnoun