repentance

[ ri-pen-tns, -pen-tuhns ]

noun

1. deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing, or the like.

   Synonyms: contriteness, remorse, penitence

   Antonyms: impenitence

2. regret for any past action.

   Synonyms: sorrow

repentance

/ rɪˈpɛntəns /

noun

1. remorse or contrition for one's past actions or sins
2. an act or the process of being repentant; penitence

Other Words From

• nonre·pentance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of repentance¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English repentaunce, from Old French repentance; equivalent to repent ¹ + -ance

Example Sentences

Smyth introduced the notion to Mr Morse that he was "sinning" and needed to "mark those sense in a form of repentance that really would mean something to the Lord".

From BBC

In the meantime, this aggressively revisionist supermarket, as indicated in Butler’s novel, has become part pharmacy, part a site of repentance for past consumption.

From Los Angeles Times

This 10-day stretch ends with Yom Kippur, a day of fasting, repentance and commemoration of the dead.

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, Mary comes clean, and a bevy of local teens show up in court with their various stolen diner items in an act of mass repentance.

From Los Angeles Times

The Attorney’s Office said investigators found a six-page note in a flowerbed near the attack addressed to “Dear Satanist” and urged repentance.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• contrition
• grief
• guilt
• penitence
• regret
• remorse
• sorrow