What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repenting
Example
He spent the night repenting for his actions. [repenting: gerund or present participle]
Example
She repented for her mistakes and asked for forgiveness. [repented: past tense]
penitent
Example
The penitent man asked for forgiveness from those he had wronged. [penitent: noun]
Example
She appeared penitent and remorseful for her actions. [penitent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repenting is less common than penitent in everyday language. Penitent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while repenting is less common and may be associated with religious or formal language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between repenting and penitent?
Both repenting and penitent can be used in formal or religious contexts. However, repenting may be more formal or religious in tone, while penitent is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
