What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penitently
Example
He bowed his head penitently, seeking forgiveness for his mistakes. [penitently: adverb]
Example
She wrote a letter penitently, expressing her regret for her actions. [penitently: adverb]
apologetically
Example
He apologized apologetically for arriving late to the meeting. [apologetically: adverb]
Example
She spoke apologetically, acknowledging her mistake and asking for forgiveness. [apologetically: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Apologetically is more commonly used than penitently in everyday language. Apologetically is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while penitently is less common and may have religious connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penitently and apologetically?
Both penitently and apologetically can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, penitently may be more formal due to its religious connotations.
