penitent

/ˈpɛnɪtənt/
adjective
  1. Feeling or showing regret for having done something wrong; sorry.
    • The penitent child apologized for breaking the vase.
    • His penitent expression made it clear he understood his mistake.
    • She wrote a penitent letter to her friend after the argument.
noun
  1. A person who feels regret for wrongdoing, especially one who seeks forgiveness or performs an act of penance.
    • In medieval times, penitents would often go on pilgrimages.
    • Each penitent was asked to reflect on their actions.
    • The priest listened to the penitent in the confessional.
What does "penitent" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean