PENITENCE


Meaning of PENITENCE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈpe-nə-tən(t)s ]

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.