Word bank

Improve your reading skills, Memorize words and practice vocabulary

Memorized by 10+ users

penitentiary

/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/

Meanings
  • noun

    A large building or institution where prisoners are detained and confined.

    - "The penitentiary is a place where criminals are sent to serve their time."
    - "He was sent to the penitentiary for robbery."

Synonyms

pen
Variants
List of all variants of penitentiary that leads to same result
penitentiaries , penitentiary
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Latin word 'penitentia' meaning penance or repentance.


Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word
  1. The first penitentiary in the United States was built in Philadelphia in 1790.

  2. The term 'penitentiary' comes from the Latin word 'penitentia', which means penance or repentance.

  3. The first penitentiaries were designed to be more humane than the previous methods of punishment, such as public hangings and whippings.


Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to
  1. Prison: A place where offenders are confined and confined to a controlled environment.

  2. Correctional facility: A place where individuals who have violated the law are kept and given opportunities to learn skills and behaviors that will help them reintegrate into society.


Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The penitentiary system is a major part of the criminal justice system and has been the subject of much debate and controversy. It is designed to rehabilitate prisoners and prepare them for reintegration into society.

How to Memorize "penitentiary"

  1. visualize

    - Visualize a large, fortified building with high walls, guard towers, and barbed wire. Imagine prisoners walking in uniforms through the yards and cells.

  2. associate

    - Associate the word with the idea of punishment and rehabilitation. Think of it as a place where people go to pay for their crimes and learn to be productive members of society again.

  3. mnemonics

    - Use the acronym PEN to remember the meaning: Penitentiary - A place for Enforcing the law and Nurturing rehabilitation.


Memorize "penitentiary" using Dictozo

The best and recommended way to memorize penitentiary is, by using Dictozo. Just save the word in Dictozo extension and let the app handle the rest. It enhances the memorization process in two ways:

  1. Highlighting:

    Whenever users encounters the saved word on a webpage, Dictozo highlights it, drawing the user's attention and reinforcing memorization.

  2. Periodic Reminders:

    Dictozo will send you periodic reminders to remind you the saved word, it will ask you quiz. These reminders could be in the form of notifications or emails, prompting users to recall and reinforce their knowledge.