penitence

noun

pen·​i·​tence ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s How to pronounce penitence (audio)
: the quality or state of being penitent : sorrow for sins or faults
Forgiveness requires penitence.
Choose the Right Synonym for penitence

penitence, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing.

penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.

absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence

repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.

repentance accompanied by a complete change of character

contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.

tearful expressions of contrition

compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.

had no compunctions about taking back what is mine

remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse

Examples of penitence in a Sentence

the sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It was initially conceived as a time of fasting and penitence, not unlike Lent, during which observant Christians prepared themselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 In the justice system of early modern Europe, public executions offered a spectacle of both punishment and penitence. Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2023 Some could bring only fear, and the probability of future fear was dependent on the probability of past fear, as well as on the parent’s over-all chance of penitence. Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 11 July 2024 Especially at this time of year, when mismatches on the power play — at 6-foot-4, Nichushkin blots out the sun as well as opposing goalies’ vision — can often mean the difference between parades and penitence. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for penitence 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French penitance, from Medieval Latin poenitentia, alteration of Latin paenitentia regret, from paenitent-, paenitens, present participle

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penitence was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near penitence

Cite this Entry

“Penitence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penitence. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

penitence

noun
pen·​i·​tence ˈpen-ə-tən(t)s How to pronounce penitence (audio)
: sorrow for one's sins or faults : repentance
penitent
-tənt
adjective
penitently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on penitence

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