Penitent
“Penitent”作形容词表示因做错事而感到悔恨并愿意改正;作名词指悔罪者或忏悔者,带有宗教或道德色彩。
- “He appeared penitent after realizing the harm he had caused.” (意识到自己所造成的伤害后,他显得十分悔悟。)
- “The penitent knelt in prayer, seeking forgiveness.” (悔罪者跪地祈祷,祈求宽恕。)
- “A penitent expression crossed her face when she admitted the mistake.” (当她承认错误时,脸上露出了悔过的表情。)
词根”penit-”来自拉丁语”paenitere”(感到悔恨),与”penance”(赎罪)、“repent”(悔改)语义相关。
“Penitent”由词根”penit-”加后缀”-ent”构成,“-ent”表示具有某种状态或性质的人或物。
在基督教传统中,“penitent”常与告解、赎罪仪式相关;在日常用语中则泛指真诚悔过、请求原谅的人。
- 固定搭配: “penitent sinner” (悔罪的罪人), “truly penitent” (真心悔过的)
“penit-”联想到”penalty”(惩罚)和”repent”(悔改)——因过错而悔恨,即 penitent。
“After years of silence, the penitent man returned to apologize. His old friend listened quietly and finally offered forgiveness.” (沉默多年后,这位悔悟的男子回来道歉。老朋友静静听着,最终选择了原谅。)