noun
penitence
PEN-ih-tuhns/ˈpenɪtəns/
Sorrow and remorse for wrongdoing or sin.
The person's penitence shows while returning the stolen wallet with a remorseful expression.
Etymology
The regret verb becomes a noun naming the condition of repentance. In its moral sense, penitence is sorrow for wrongdoing joined to an intention to amend one's life.
In context
in the hours of deeper remorse and penitence you turned from this world of self you created around you to the ideal within
More examples
- She bows her head in penitence and asks God for forgiveness.
- He shows no penitence for betraying his friends.
- Her words of penitence seem sincere, but I still feel hurt.
Forms
penitent adjective — Feeling sorrow and regret for wrongdoing.
Similar words
- remorse
- Focuses on painful guilt, without necessarily suggesting religious repentance.
- repentance
- Often includes a commitment to change, not just sorrow.