penitence Definition
the action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.
Using penitence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "penitence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He showed deep penitence for his actions.
Example
She expressed her penitence for the mistake she made.
Example
The prisoner's penitence was taken into account during his sentencing.
Example
His penitence was evident in his tearful apology.
penitence Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for penitence
Antonyms for penitence
Phrases with penitence
Example
As an act of penitence, he volunteered at a homeless shelter.
a religious ritual or ceremony performed as an act of penitence or repentance
Example
The congregation participated in a penitential rite during the service.
a psalm expressing sorrow and repentance for sin
Example
The priest recited a penitential psalm during the confession.
Origins of penitence
from Latin 'paenitentia', meaning 'repentance'
Summary: penitence in Brief
The term 'penitence' [ˈpenɪtəns] refers to the act of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong, often exemplified by 'He showed deep penitence for his actions.' It extends into phrases like 'acts of penitence,' and 'penitential rite,' denoting religious rituals or ceremonies performed as an act of penitence or repentance.
