How to Pronounce Penitent

To pronounce "penitent", say PEN-it-ent — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈpɛnɪtənt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

penitent

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying penitent, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

3

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈpɛnɪtənt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “penitent”

"penitent" has 3 syllables: pen-it-ent. It rhymes with penitente, if that helps it stick.

What does penitent mean?

noun

  1. One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his or her transgressions.
  2. One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance.

adjective

  1. Feeling pain or sorrow on account of one's sins or offenses; feeling sincere guilt.
  2. Doing penance.

Synonyms

penauntcontriterepentant

Words that rhyme with penitent

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

penitente

Related words

contriterepentantpenitentialsorryremorsefulruefulmagdalenguilt-ridden

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "penitent"?▾

"Penitent" has 3 syllables: pen · it · ent.

What is the IPA transcription of "penitent"?▾

The IPA transcription of "penitent" is /ˈpɛnɪtənt/.

What does "penitent" mean?▾

Penitent: One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his or her transgressions.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “penitent” in the full dictionary →