Penitence
/ˈpɛn.ɪ.təns/noun
The state of feeling remorse for wrongdoing, or the expression of that remorse.
Did you know?Penitence comes through Old French from Latin *paenitentia*, tied to *paenitēre*—to regret or feel sorry—so the word’s emotional core is not magic, but a deep bodily sense of pain and remorse.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
paenitentia
“Repentance, regret, penitence”
Latin
Latin
paenitēre
“To regret, cause pain or dissatisfaction”
Old French
Old French
penitence
“Repentance, penance”
Middle English
English
penitence
“Repentance, sorrow for sin”
Modern English
English
penitence
“Remorse for wrongdoing”