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

At times, society feels like a house divided against itself, yet Lincoln reminded us that the resolution to civil strife and discord is “Thanksgiving and Praise” coupled with “humble penitence.”

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"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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Related Words

• contrition 
• penance 
• repentance