penitential Definition
- 1relating to or expressing penitence or penance
- 2of or relating to the Christian season of Lent
Using penitential: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "penitential" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He wrote a penitential letter to his ex-girlfriend.
Example
The priest gave him a penitential assignment to complete.
Example
The church service during Lent is often penitential in nature.
penitential Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for penitential
Phrases with penitential
a religious ceremony or ritual that expresses sorrow for sins and seeks forgiveness
Example
The priest led the congregation in a penitential rite, asking for forgiveness for their sins.
a psalm that expresses sorrow for sins and asks for forgiveness
Example
During Lent, many churches recite penitential psalms as part of their services.
a practice of self-discipline or self-punishment undertaken as an expression of penitence or repentance
Example
Some people engage in penitential disciplines like fasting or self-flagellation during Lent.
Origins of penitential
from Old French 'penitentiel', from Latin 'paenitentialis', from 'paenitentia' meaning 'penitence'
Summary: penitential in Brief
The term 'penitential' [ˌpenəˈtenʃ(ə)l] refers to expressing penitence or penance, often in a religious context. It can describe a person who is repentant or contrite, as well as practices like penitential discipline. The Christian season of Lent is often associated with penitential themes, such as penitential rites and psalms.
