penance

[ˈpɛnəns]

penance Definition

• 1. voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong
• 2. a sacrament in some Christian churches that involves the confession of sins to a priest and the performance of a prescribed act of penance

Using penance: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "penance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He did penance for his sins by fasting and praying.

• Example

  The priest gave him a penance of saying ten Hail Marys.

• Example

  She performed acts of penance to show her remorse for her actions.

penance Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for penance

• atonement
• expiation
• contrition
• remorse
• regret

Antonyms for penance

• impenitence
• defiance

Phrases with penance

• do penance

  to perform acts of self-punishment or contrition as a way of expressing repentance for one's sins

  Example

  He was told to do penance for his sins.

• act of penance

  a prescribed act of self-punishment or contrition performed as part of the sacrament of penance

  Example

  The priest gave him an act of penance to perform after he confessed his sins.

• penance box

  a small box used to hold slips of paper on which penances are written, often used in religious education

  Example

  The teacher handed out penance boxes to the students so they could write down their penances.

Origins of penance

from Old French 'penance', from Latin 'paenitentia', meaning 'repentance'

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Summary: penance in Brief

'Penance' [ˈpɛnəns] refers to voluntary self-punishment as an outward expression of repentance for wrongdoing. It can also refer to a sacrament in some Christian churches that involves confessing sins to a priest and performing a prescribed act of penance. Examples include fasting and praying, and saying Hail Marys. 'Penance' is often associated with phrases like 'do penance' and 'act of penance.'