Penitential (Adjective)
Meaning
Showing or constituting penance; "penitential tears"; "wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The monk's decision to take a vow of silence was a penitential act to atone for his past mistakes.
- Her penitential letters to her brother expressed deep sorrow and regret for her part in their estrangement.
- The Catholic Church recommends a penitential lifestyle during Lent, which includes prayer, fasting, and charity.
- In a penitential ceremony, the former politician publicly acknowledged his wrongdoing and asked for forgiveness from the nation.
- The artist's new sculpture was a penitential response to the social injustices she witnessed in her community.