How to pronounce penitent
Say it like PEN-ih-tint. Penitent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce penitent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PEN
- ih
- tint
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Penitent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tintKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of penitent
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: PEN-ih-tint.
What does penitent mean?
- One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of their transgressions.
- One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance.
- One under the direction of a confessor.
- Feeling pain or sorrow on account of one's sins or offenses; feeling sincere guilt.
- Doing penance.
Where does penitent come from?
From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin paenitēns, poenitēns (“penitent”), present participle of paeniteō, poeniteō (“to cause to repent; to regret, repent”).
Questions about saying penitent
How do you pronounce penitent?
Say PEN-ih-tint. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛnɪtɪnt/. In British English it is /ˈpɛnɪtɪnt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in penitent?
Penitent has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN). Broken into parts: PEN · ih · tint.
Is penitent pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈpɛnɪtɪnt/ (PEN-ih-tint).