Which of the following is closest in meaning to 'penitent'.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → remorseful
- Penitent means feeling or showing sorrow for having done wrong, and wishing to make amends.
Example: The penitent boy apologised to his teacher for lying. - Remorseful means full of deep regret for a wrong one has done, the same feeling as penitent.
Example: The driver was remorseful after the accident.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: unabashed — Incorrect. Unabashed means not ashamed or embarrassed, close to the opposite of penitent.
Example: He spoke of his mistakes with unabashed pride.
Option 3: patient — Incorrect. Patient means able to wait calmly without getting annoyed; it only sounds like penitent.
Example: Please be patient; the doctor will see you soon.
Option 4: unadulterated — Incorrect. Unadulterated means pure, not mixed with anything else.
Example: The farm sells unadulterated milk.
| Synonyms (Penitent) | Antonyms (Penitent) |
|---|---|
| remorseful | unabashed |
| repentant | unrepentant |
| contrite | shameless |
| regretful | impenitent |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| remorseful | – | 16-05 S1 21-05 S1 | – | – | – |