Library / English Dictionary

PENITENTIARY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

A correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes

Synonyms:

pen; penitentiary

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("penitentiary" is a kind of...):

correctional institution (a penal institution maintained by the government)

Derivation:

penitentiary (used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers)

 II. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Showing or constituting penance

Example:

wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words

Synonyms:

penitential; penitentiary

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

penitent; repentant (feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers

Example:

penitentiary institutions

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

punitive; punitory (inflicting punishment)

Derivation:

penitence (remorse for your past conduct)

penitentiary (a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes)

Credits