penitence
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.pen·i·tence
noun \ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s\Definition of PENITENCE
: the quality or state of being penitent : sorrow for sins or faults
See Examples of PENITENCE
- <the sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down>
Origin of PENITENCE
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
Related to PENITENCE
- Synonyms
- contriteness, contrition, guilt, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, self-reproach, shame
- Antonyms
- impenitence, remorselessness
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Other Christian Religious Terms
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