penitence
PEN-ih-tunss
/ˈpenɪtəns/
The action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.
Penitence is often associated with a humble or submissive attitude. It suggests a willingness to accept punishment.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'paenitentia,' meaning repentance. It is closely related to the word 'pain,' suggesting that true regret is a painful process.
Word relationships
- repentance: Repentance is the act of turning away from sin; penitence is the feeling of sorrow for it.
- remorselessness: A complete lack of regret.
Commonly confused with
- penance: Penitence is the feeling; penance is the actual task or punishment performed to show that feeling.
Word family
- penitent (adjective): Feeling or showing sorrow and regret.
- penitentiary (noun): A prison (originally a place for penitence).
Collocations
- show penitence
- spirit of penitence
- act of penitence
Example sentences
- "The knight performed a year of penitence to earn forgiveness for his sins." Historical penance.
- "There was a look of genuine penitence on her face as she confessed." Describing an expression.
Memory hook
Penitence = 'Pen-it-ence'. You are stuck in a 'pen' (prison) until you show you are sorry. Humble sorrow.
When not to use
Too religious or formal for secular, everyday mistakes.
Fun facts
- The word 'penitentiary' was coined by reformers who believed prisons should be places where criminals could reflect and feel penitence.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.