noun
penitence
pĕnʹĭ-təns
Penitence (noun) means Deep regret or remorse for having done something wrong. Example: “His penitence was clear from the tears in his eyes as he apologized.”
noun
1
Deep regret or remorse for having done something wrong.
"His penitence was clear from the tears in his eyes as he apologized."
"The monk spent years in quiet penitence after leaving his old life behind."
How to use penitence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGenuine sorrow and regret for wrongdoing, often paired with a wish to make amends.
Common mistake
Penitence is the feeling of regret; penance is the act performed to show it (like a punishment or ritual).
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- penitences
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His _____ was clear from the tears in his eyes as he apologized.
Etymology
From Old French penitence, from Latin paenitentia, "repentance" — from paenitēre, "to regret."
Related words
Rhymes for penitence
See all rhymes for 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.".
