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Penitence: meaning, definitions and examples

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penitence

 

[ ˈpɛnɪtəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious practice

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

Synonyms

contrition, remorse, repentance

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

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.

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

Etymology

The word 'penitence' originated from the Latin word 'poenitentia,' meaning repentance or regret. In religious contexts, penitence has been a fundamental concept in various faith traditions, emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness and atonement for one's sins. The practice of penitence often involves acts of contrition, confession, and reconciliation. Over time, the term has also been used in literary works to explore themes of redemption, guilt, and moral transformation.

See also: penitentiary, penitently.

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.