Synonyms

penitence

American

[pen-i-tuhns] / ˈpɛn ɪ təns /

noun

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

Related Words

See regret.

Etymology

Origin of penitence

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.”

From The Wall Street Journal

One aspect of observance on Ash Wednesday is accepting a mark of ashes, typically in the sign of the cross on the forehead, as a sign of penitence.

From Washington Times

Let them retire from public life and reflect with penitence on what we have seen today.

From Washington Post

But his penitence seemed mixed with confusion, and perhaps frustration:

From The New Yorker

In the process, Mr. Northam, a Democrat, persuaded many Virginians to allow him a season of penitence.

From Washington Post

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023