Penitentiary vs Penitentary

Understand why "penitentiary" is correct and "penitentary" is incorrect.

penitentary

Incorrect spelling - ""Penitentary"" is a misspelling.

"penitentary" is a common misspelling of "penitentiary". Always use "penitentiary" when referring to the correct word.

penitentiary

Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.

"Penitentiary" is a prison or correctional facility.

Definition of penitentiary

"penitentiary": "Penitentiary" is a prison or correctional facility.

This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.

Synonyms for penitentiary

  • prison
  • jail

Usage Examples

"Correct:" He was sent to the penitentiary.

"Correct:" A federal penitentiary.

"Correct:" Escaped from penitentiary.

"Correct:" Life in penitentiary.

"Incorrect:" He was sent to penitentary.

"Incorrect:" A penitentary inmate.

Notes:

  • Derived from Latin.
  • Contains 'penitent'.
  • Legal term.
  • Commonly misspelled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Correct spelling?

A: Penitentiary.

Q: Is penitentary correct?

A: No.

Q: Meaning?

A: Prison.

Q: Error reason?

A: Missing syllable.

Summary

Penitentiary is correct; it refers to a prison. Penitentary is a common misspelling.