penitence
7 synonyms for penitence, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Deep regret or remorse for having done something wrong.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old French penitence, from Latin paenitentia, "repentance" — from paenitēre, "to regret."
Full origin of penitence →Frequently asked questions
What does “penitence” mean?
The word “penitence” means deep regret or remorse for having done something wrong. In plain terms, genuine sorrow and regret for wrongdoing, often paired with a wish to make amends.
How do you pronounce “penitence”?
“Penitence” is pronounced pĕnʹĭ-təns.
How do you use “penitence” in a sentence?
Here is “penitence” used in a sentence: “His penitence was clear from the tears in his eyes as he apologized.”
What part of speech is “penitence”?
“Penitence” is a noun.
Where does the word “penitence” come from?
The word “penitence” comes from Latin. From Old French penitence, from Latin paenitentia, "repentance" — from paenitēre, "to regret.".
