penance
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for penance, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A voluntary act of self-punishment or atonement carried out to make up for wrongdoing.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use penance
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia ("repentance"); a close relative of the word "penitence."
Full origin of penance →Frequently asked questions
What does “penance” mean?
The word “penance” means a voluntary act of self-punishment or atonement carried out to make up for wrongdoing. In plain terms, an act taken to make up for having done wrong, often used in a religious sense.
How do you pronounce “penance”?
“Penance” is pronounced PEHN-uhns (/ˈpɛn.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “penance” in a sentence?
Here is “penance” used in a sentence: “He did penance for years, quietly trying to make amends.”
What is another word for “penance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “penance” include penitence and atonement.
What part of speech is “penance”?
“Penance” is a noun.
Where does the word “penance” come from?
The word “penance” comes from Latin. From Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia ("repentance"); a close relative of the word "penitence.".
Is “penance” a common word?
“Penance” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “penance” have?
“Penance” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a voluntary act of self-punishment or atonement carried out to make up for wrongdoing.