penitence — the state of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the state of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpenɪtəns/
Example Sentences
- The celebrity's Instagram post showed his penitence after the scandal broke.
- My penitence for eating the last slice of pizza lasted exactly until I saw the dessert menu.
- The defendant's penitence seemed genuine as he apologized to the victims' families.
penitence
NOUN[/ˈpenɪtəns/]
the state of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance

Deep sorrow and regret for wrongdoing

Pen in tense hands - writing sorry notes with penitence!

The sentence awakens penitence's presence!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin paenitentia, meaning 'repentance' or 'regret,' derived from paenitere meaning 'to repent' or 'to cause to repent.' The word developed its religious connotations of remorse for sin through medieval Christian usage.
Breakdown
paenitent- (Latin root meaning 'to repent/regret') + -ia (Latin noun suffix indicating a state or condition)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The celebrity's Instagram post showed his penitence after the scandal broke.”
“My penitence for eating the last slice of pizza lasted exactly until I saw the dessert menu.”
“The defendant's penitence seemed genuine as he apologized to the victims' families.”
“She performed community service as an act of penitence for her past mistakes.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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