Penance
As a Noun
- A voluntary act of self-punishment or suffering to express repentance for wrongdoing.
- A religious practice of confession and atonement for sins.
- A hardship or difficult task accepted as a way to make amends.
As Other Form
- Penitence (Noun): The feeling of regret or sorrow for wrongdoing.
- Penitent (Adjective): Feeling or showing remorse for one’s sins or mistakes.
Word History
The word penance comes from the Latin paenitentia, meaning “repentance” or “regret,” which evolved through Old French as penance. Originally associated with religious acts of atonement, the word later came to describe any form of self-imposed suffering for moral or personal reasons.
Examples
- As penance for his mistake, he volunteered at a charity for a month.
- She performed penance by fasting and praying.
- The criminal showed no sign of penance for his actions.
Synonyms
Atonement, repentance, punishment, remorse, self-discipline
Related Words
Forgiveness, confession, sacrifice, restitution
Antonyms
Indulgence, pleasure, absolution, leniency
