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1. Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds
   "If the offender is truly penitent, should we still punish her?";
   - repentant

1. (Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)

Derived forms: penitents

See also: ashamed, bad, contrite, penitential, penitentiary, regretful, remorseful, rueful, ruthful, sorry

Type of: religious person

Antonym: impenitent

Encyclopedia: Penitent