What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
penitence
Example
He showed penitence for his mistakes by apologizing to those he had wronged. [penitence: noun]
Example
She was filled with penitence after realizing the harm she had caused. [penitence: noun]
sorrow
Example
She felt great sorrow when her beloved pet passed away. [sorrow: noun]
Example
He expressed his sorrow at the news of his friend's passing. [sorrow: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sorrow is more commonly used than penitence in everyday language. Sorrow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while penitence is less common and is typically associated with religious or moral contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between penitence and sorrow?
Penitence is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while sorrow can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
