Penance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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penance
[ˈpɛnəns ]
Definitions
religious practice
Penance is an act of self-punishment or self-discipline performed to show sorrow or regret for sins or wrongdoing. It is often done as a part of a religious practice to seek forgiveness from a higher power.
Synonyms
atonement, penitence, repentance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| penance |
Used in religious contexts when referring to acts to show sorrow for sins or wrongdoings. Often involves specific rituals or acts of self-discipline.
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| penitence |
Used to describe the feeling of regret and sorrow for having done something wrong. It is more about the internal feeling rather than external actions.
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| atonement |
Used when referring to making amends for wrongdoings or sins, typically in a broader spiritual or moral sense. Often linked to significant acts or events.
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| repentance |
Used to describe the act of expressing sincere regret or remorse for wrongdoing, often associated with a resolve to change one’s behavior. Frequently used in both religious and moral contexts.
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Examples of usage
- Her penance for lying was to say ten prayers every night.
- He performed acts of penance to atone for his mistakes.
- After confessing his sins, he was given a penance of fasting for a week.
punishment
Penance can also refer to a punishment or suffering imposed on oneself as a way of making amends for a wrongdoing. It is a form of self-imposed discipline to pay for one's sins.
Synonyms
penitence, punishment, reparation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| penance |
Penance is usually used in religious contexts where someone seeks forgiveness for their sins through actions that show regret.
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| penitence |
Penitence describes a feeling of sorrow or regret for wrongdoing and is often used in both religious and secular contexts.
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| punishment |
Punishment refers to a penalty given for a crime or fault. It is often used in legal, moral, or disciplinary contexts and can have a negative connotation.
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| reparation |
Reparation involves making amends for a wrong typically by paying money or providing help. It is used in contexts involving compensation or corrective actions.
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Examples of usage
- She saw her volunteer work as a form of penance for her past actions.
- His long hours of community service were his way of doing penance for his crime.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religious Significance
- In Christianity, penance is often associated with confession and the act of seeking forgiveness for sins.
- Many religions include acts of penance, such as fasting or performing good deeds, to cleanse oneself spiritually.
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the Latin 'paenitentia', meaning 'repentance' or 'sorrow'.
- In medieval times, penance was often a public act, where individuals would openly show their regret for misdeeds.
Psychology
- Studies show that feeling guilty can motivate people to engage in penance as a way to relieve their emotional distress.
- Engaging in acts of penance can promote personal growth and improve relationships.
Literature
- Penance appears frequently in literature as a character's journey of redemption, highlighting inner conflict and moral dilemmas.
- In Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', Scrooge's transformation can be viewed as a form of penance for his past behavior.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict characters undertaking journeys of penance, such as seeking forgiveness from loved ones or performing heroic acts.
- Songs about regret often include themes of penance, emphasizing the emotional struggle to amend past mistakes.
Origin of 'penance'
The word 'penance' originated from the Latin word 'poenitentia', meaning repentance or regret. In religious contexts, penance has been practiced for centuries as a way to seek forgiveness and show contrition for sins. It plays a significant role in various religious traditions and has evolved to encompass both acts of self-discipline and punishment.
See also: pen, penal, penholder, penman, penmanship, penning, pennon, pens.