noun
regret for sin or wrongdoing
responded to true penitence with forgiveness
Synonyms: attrition, compunction, contriteness, contrition, penance, penitency, remorse, remorsefulness, repentance, rue, ruth
Related Word: qualm, scruple; self-accusation, self-castigation, self-punishment, self-reproach, self-reproof; anguish, distress, grief, regret, sadness, sorrow; debasement, degradation, humbling, humiliation
Contrasted words: adamancy, inexorableness, obduracy, obdurateness, stubbornness