penitential

[ pen-i-ten-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, proceeding from, or expressive of penitence or repentance.

noun

1. a penitent.
2. a book or code of canons relating to penance, its imposition, etc.

penitential

/ ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. of, showing, or constituting penance

noun

1. RC Church a book or compilation of instructions for confessors
2. a less common word for penitent penitent

Derived Forms

• ˌpeniˈtentially, adverb

Other Words From

• peni·tential·ly adverb
• unpen·i·tential adjective
• unpen·i·tential·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of penitential¹

1500–10; < Medieval Latin pēnitēntiālis, Late Latin paenitēntiālis. See penitent, -ial

Example Sentences

Clergy would “have a duty to warn” law enforcement or social services if there is reasonable belief that a child is in imminent danger of abuse or neglect, even if that belief is informed by information obtained “in part as a result of a penitential communication,” but corroborated with information obtained outside of confession.

From Seattle Times

It also marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season.

From Los Angeles Times

In the eyes of the German public, Stadler's guilty plea did not look particularly penitential.

From BBC

The prayer service, known as a penitential rite and required by Canon law, was led by the basilica's archpriest, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.

From Reuters

The Vatican said that the text, issued eight months after the pope’s “penitential journey to Canada,” reaffirmed the church’s “rejection of the colonizing mentality.”

From New York Times