1. feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant

1. a person who repents their sins or wrongdoings
Usage: often religious

Examples

• The penitent criminal apologized to the victims’ families.
• She wore a penitent expression after breaking her mother’s vase.
• The priest listened to the penitent’s confession.
• He stood before the judge with a penitent attitude.
• The penitent sought forgiveness for his past mistakes.
• Her penitent tears showed genuine remorse.
• The church welcomed all penitents who sought redemption.