Penance: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

penance

 

[ ˈpɛnəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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?

arrow down
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.

  • He performed penance by fasting for a week
  • The priest assigned him a penance after his confession
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.

  • Her face was full of penitence after she realized her mistake
  • He lived in penitence for the rest of his life
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.

  • The community gathered for a day of atonement
  • He sought atonement through charitable work
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.

  • He showed genuine repentance for his actions
  • Repentance is a key tenet of many religions

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
penance

Penance is usually used in religious contexts where someone seeks forgiveness for their sins through actions that show regret.

  • He performed many acts of penance to atone for his mistakes.
  • During Lent, many people undergo some form of penance.
penitence

Penitence describes a feeling of sorrow or regret for wrongdoing and is often used in both religious and secular contexts.

  • Her genuine penitence was clear when she apologized.
  • The prisoner's penitence was acknowledged by the parole board.
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.

  • He received harsh punishment for his crimes.
  • The teacher did not believe in severe punishment for small mistakes.
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.

  • The company made financial reparations to the affected families.
  • She sought reparation for the damages to her car.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,934, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.