Penance: meaning, definitions and examples
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penance
[ ˈpɛnəns ]
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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| penitence |
Penitence describes a feeling of sorrow or regret for wrongdoing and is often used in both religious and secular contexts.
|
| 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.
|
| 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
Translations of the word "penance" in other languages:
🇵🇹 penitência
🇮🇳 प्रायश्चित्त
🇩🇪 Buße
🇮🇩 penitensi
🇺🇦 покаяння
🇵🇱 pokuta
🇯🇵 懺悔 (ざんげ)
🇫🇷 pénitence
🇪🇸 penitencia
🇹🇷 tövbe
🇰🇷 참회 (chamhwae)
🇸🇦 توبة (tawba)
🇨🇿 pokání
🇸🇰 pokánie
🇨🇳 忏悔 (chànhuǐ)
🇸🇮 pokora
🇮🇸 gjald
🇰🇿 тәубе
🇬🇪 მონანიება (monanieba)
🇦🇿 tövbə
🇲🇽 penitencia
Etymology
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.