penitence

[pen-i-tuhns]

noun

1. the state of being penitent; regret for one's wrongdoing or sinning; contrition; repentance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of penitence¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English (from Old French ) from Medieval Latin pēnitentia, Latin paenitentia “a regretting, repentance.” See penitent, -ence

Synonym Study

See regret.

Example Sentences

"This Christmas, God's Church itself needs to come again to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration. And be changed," he said.

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"Right now, this Christmas, God's Church itself needs to come to the manger and strip off her finery and kneel in penitence and adoration," he is expected to say.

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It was initially conceived as a time of fasting and penitence, not unlike Lent, during which observant Christians prepared themselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.

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For Mr. Diamond, a practicing Catholic, another deadline was also looming: This year, Valentine’s Day happens to fall on Ash Wednesday, customarily devoted to penitence and fasting.

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It would be nice if these men would reflect on how they lost their way, but the good news is that we don't need their penitence.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• contrition 
• penance 
• repentance