PENITENCE

[pen.i.tence] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. ML poenitentia, alter. of L paenitentia regret, fr. paenitent-, paenitens, prp.] (13c): the quality or state of being penitent: sorrow for sins or faults syn 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 esp. 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 esp. for those whose consequences cannot be remedied "thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse".