penitence
See also: pénitence
English edit
Alternative forms edit
- pænitence (archaic)
Etymology edit
First attested circa 13th century, from Middle English penitence, from Old French penitence, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”), from paenitēns (“penitent”), present active participle of paeniteō (“regret, repent”). Equivalent to penitent + -ence. Doublet of penance.
Pronunciation edit
- enPR: pĕnʹĭ-təns
Noun edit
penitence (countable and uncountable, plural penitences)
- The condition of being penitent; a feeling of regret or remorse for doing wrong or sinning.
- 1887, W. S. Gilbert, Ruddigore, Act II:
- Away, Remorse! / Compunction, hence!. / Go, Moral Force! / Go, Penitence!
Synonyms edit
- See also Thesaurus:remorse
Related terms edit
Translations edit
condition of being penitent
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Middle French edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
From Latin paenitentia.
Noun edit
penitence f (plural penitences)
- (chiefly Christianity) penitence (repentance for one's sins)
Descendants edit
- French: pénitence
Old French edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Borrowed from Latin paenitentia.
Noun edit
penitence oblique singular, f (oblique plural penitences, nominative singular penitence, nominative plural penitences)
- (chiefly Christianity) penitence (repentance for one's sins)