Penitence: meaning, definitions and examples

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penitence

[ˈpɛnɪtəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious practice

The action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.

Synonyms

contrition, remorse, repentance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
penitence	This term is often used in religious or formal settings when expressing regret for wrongdoing. It indicates a deep and sincere feeling of guilt and a desire to make amends. He showed his penitence by volunteering at the church every weekend. In a moment of penitence, she apologized to all those she had hurt.
repentance	Repentance is often used when someone not only feels regret for their actions but also commits to changing their behavior to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. It is frequently used in both religious and secular contexts. The criminal expressed genuine repentance and vowed to turn his life around. Her journey towards repentance started with acknowledging her faults and seeking forgiveness.
contrition	Contrition is commonly used to describe a heartfelt sorrow for sins or wrongdoings, usually accompanied by a sense of humility. It often has a distinctly religious context. Her contrition was evident when she knelt and prayed for forgiveness. The look of contrition on his face suggested he deeply regretted his actions.
remorse	Remorse is a strong feeling of regret and guilt for something bad that one has done. It is often used in secular contexts to express intense feelings of personal guilt. He felt deep remorse for the mistakes he had made. Remorse filled her heart after the harsh words she said to her friend.

Examples of usage

He sought penitence for his sins through prayer and fasting.
She performed acts of penitence to atone for her mistakes.
The monk showed deep penitence for his past transgressions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

literary

Self-imposed punishment or suffering as an expression of repentance for sin.

Synonyms

atonement, penance, self-punishment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
penitence	This word is used to describe a feeling of sincere regret or remorse for one’s wrongdoing or sin. It is often used in a religious or spiritual context. She showed great penitence for her actions during the confession. His penitence was evident when he apologized to everyone he had wronged.
penance	Penance is often used in religious contexts and refers to voluntary self-punishment or actions taken to express repentance for wrongdoing. It usually involves some form of sacrifice or effort to show remorse. As an act of penance, he volunteered at the homeless shelter for a month. The priest gave her a penance to say several prayers and help others.
atonement	Atonement is used to make amends or reparations for a wrong or injury. Often associated with religious contexts, it can also be used in a broader sense to speak about reconciling or making things right. He sought atonement for his past mistakes by working in the community. In many religions, atonement rituals are a way to seek forgiveness.
self-punishment	This term is used to describe the act of punishing oneself, often due to feelings of guilt or regret. It has a more psychological or emotional aspect and often carries a negative connotation. He engaged in self-punishment by depriving himself of sleep after his failure. Her self-punishment took the form of isolating herself from friends and family.

Examples of usage

The character in the novel engaged in acts of penitence to seek redemption.
The artist's work explored themes of guilt, penitence, and forgiveness.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'paenitentia,' which means 'sorrow' or 'repentance.'
In early English, the term was used to describe not just feelings but also the actions taken to correct wrongdoings.

Religious Significance

In Christianity, penitence is often associated with confession and seeking forgiveness from God.
Many religions emphasize the importance of penitence as a means of spiritual purification and growth.

Psychology

Experiencing penitence can lead to personal growth, helping individuals learn from their mistakes.
Psychological studies suggest that feeling remorse can motivate people to change their behavior and make amends.

Literature

In many literary works, characters often undergo a journey of penitence as they seek forgiveness and redemption.
Classic novels, such as 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky, explore deep themes of guilt and the quest for atonement.

Cultural Perspectives

Various cultures have different rituals for showing penitence, from public apologies to acts of service.
In some traditions, penitence is tied to specific seasons, such as Lent in Christianity, when individuals reflect on their actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "penitence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penitência

🇮🇳 प्रायश्चित्त

🇩🇪 Buße

🇮🇩 penitensi

🇺🇦 покаяння

🇵🇱 pokuta

🇯🇵 悔悛 (けいしゅん)

🇫🇷 pénitence

🇪🇸 penitencia

🇹🇷 tövbe

🇰🇷 참회 (chamhoe)

🇸🇦 توبة

🇨🇿 pokání

🇸🇰 pokánie

🇨🇳 忏悔 (chànhuǐ)

🇸🇮 pokora

🇮🇸 iðrun

🇰🇿 тәубе

🇬🇪 მონანიება

🇦🇿 tövbə

🇲🇽 penitencia

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,102, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21099 wade
21100 rut
21101 erring
21102 penitence
21103 falsified
21104 sputtered
21105 tottering
...