How Do You Spell PENITENTIAL?

Pronunciation: [pˌɛnɪtˈɛnʃə͡l] (IPA)

The word "penitential" is spelled with four syllables: /pen-i-TEN-shuhl/. The first syllable begins with the consonant blend /p/ and is followed by the short vowel sound /ɛ/. The second syllable starts with the letter "i" and is pronounced with the short vowel sound /ɪ/. The third syllable contains the stressed vowel sound /ɛ/ followed by the consonant /n/. The final syllable starts with the consonant /sh/ and ends with the unstressed vowel sound /əl/. "Penitential" relates to the act of penitence or expressing remorse for one's wrongdoing.

PENITENTIAL Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "penitential" is an adjective that primarily describes something relating to or constituting an act of penance, remorse, or repentance. Derived from the Latin word "paenitentia," which means repentance, penitential refers to actions, behaviors, or rituals performed as a form of atonement for one's wrongdoing or sins.

    In a religious context, penitential practices often involve acts of self-discipline, such as fasting, prayer, and self-reflection usually carried out with the intention of seeking forgiveness from a divine entity. These may be prescribed during specific periods or occasions, such as Lent or Advent, where believers engage in penitential activities to focus on personal transformation and spiritual growth.

    Beyond religious connotations, the term penitential can be applied to varied situations where an individual demonstrates deep remorse or a strong desire to make amends for their past actions. It implies a sense of genuine contrition and a willingness to take responsibility for one's mistakes.

    Additionally, penitential can describe objects, texts, or music that evoke feelings of remorse or repentance. For instance, penitential writings or psalms often have a somber, introspective tone, intended to deepen one's understanding of their transgressions and inspire the resolution to change.

    Overall, penitential encompasses the sentiments, actions, rituals, and materials associated with seeking forgiveness, acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and the aspiration for personal or spiritual redemption.

  2. • Expressing penitence, or proceeding from it.
    • In the R. Cath. Ch., a book treating on the manner and degrees of penance.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

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Etymology of PENITENTIAL

The word "penitential" originates from the Latin term "poenitentia" meaning "repentance" or "regret". It is derived from the Latin verb "poenitere" meaning "to repent" or "to regret". The word was later adopted into Old French as "penitentiel", combining the Latin root with the French suffix "-el" to form an adjective meaning "related to penance or repentance". Eventually, it was incorporated into Middle English as "penitential" with the same meaning.

Similar spelling words for PENITENTIAL

Plural form of PENITENTIAL is PENITENTIALS

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