n.
Pronunciation: ' pe-n ə -t ə n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French penitance, from Medieval Latin poenitentia, alteration of Latin paenitentia regret, from paenitent-, paenitens, present participle
Date: 13th century
: the quality or state of being penitent : sorrow for sins or faults
synonyms PENITENCE , REPENTANCE , CONTRITION , COMPUNCTION , REMORSE mean regret for sin or wrongdoing. PENITENCE implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds <absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence >. REPENTANCE adds the implication of a resolve to change < repentance accompanied by a complete change of character>. CONTRITION stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence <tearful expressions of contrition >. COMPUNCTION implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing <had no compunctions about taking back what is mine>. REMORSE suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied <thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse >.