Penitence

Pronunciation

• enPR: pÄ•nʹĭ-tÉ™ns

Alternative forms

• pænitence archaic

Origin

First attested circa 13th century, from Middle English penitence, from Old French penitence, from Latin paenitentia ("repentance, penitence"), from paenitēns ("penitent"), present active participle of paeniteō ("regret, repent").

Full definition of penitence

Noun

1. condition of being penitent.
2. feeling of regret or remorse for doing wrong or sinning.

Synonyms

• compunction, contrition, remorse, repentance

Related terms

• penitent
• penitential
• penitentially
• penitentiary
• penitently