penitently
In apologetic manner
Penitently means in a manner showing remorse or regret for wrongdoing.
Someone who apologizes penitently genuinely feels sorry: He penitently admitted he'd been wrong.
The word suggests not just saying sorry but feeling it—head bowed, tone subdued, seeking forgiveness.
Feeling guilt for wrongdoing
- apologeticExpressing regret for wrongdoing
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
- regretfulFeeling sorrow over actions
- ashamedFeeling guilt and disgrace
chastened · rueful · abashed · sheepish · humbled · mortified · compunctious · sorrowful
Compensation for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
- mea culpaAcknowledgment of personal blame
supplicant · beseeching · imploring · prostrate · kneeling · begging · reconciliation · reparation
Examining one's own mind
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
- contemplativeInclined to deep thought
- meditativeInclined toward deep reflection
- thoughtfulShowing careful consideration
pensive · brooding · self-critical · self-aware · ruminating · deliberate · sobered · chastened
remorseful
Feeling guilt for wrongdoing
- apologeticExpressing regret for wrongdoing
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
- regretfulFeeling sorrow over actions
ashamed · chastened · rueful · abashed · sheepish · humbled · mortified · compunctious · sorrowful · guilt-ridden
atonement
Compensation for wrongdoing
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- amendsCompensation for wrongdoing
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
mea culpa · supplicant · beseeching · imploring · prostrate · kneeling · begging · reconciliation · reparation · expiation
introspective
Examining one's own mind
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
- contemplativeInclined to deep thought
- meditativeInclined toward deep reflection
thoughtful · pensive · brooding · self-critical · self-aware · ruminating · deliberate · sobered · chastened · reformed
- devout adverbsdevoutly, piously, reverently, religiously, faithfully
penitentlyunrepentantly
Without feeling sorry
impenitently · remorselessly · unapologetically · defiantly · obdurately
penitentlyshamelessly
Without feeling disgrace
brazenly · boldly · arrogantly · proudly · audaciously
- penitential psalmsSacred songs expressing remorse