MEANING
Sincere regret for wrongdoing, often accompanied by a wish to make amends.
Use it for
Moral reckoning, guilt in religious households, remorse after betrayal.Let a character's inward remorse differ from a performed punishment.
Words that belong together
- sincere penitence
- act of penitence
- show penitence
On the page
Her penitence appeared in what she repaired, not in what she said.
The priest questioned whether his silence meant penitence or resentment.
He wore the plain coat as a sign of penitence.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- penitence
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. Especially moral or religious; not just embarrassment at being caught. Penance is an act, penitence a disposition. Uncountable; derived adjective penitent.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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