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penitence meaning and examples

2025-09-06

Meaning

Penitence (noun) means the feeling of deep regret, sorrow, or remorse for having done something wrong. It is often connected to a desire to make amends or seek forgiveness.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Noun

  • Usually uncountable, though it can sometimes appear in countable contexts.

  • Common structures:

    • "show penitence"
    • "act of penitence"
    • "in penitence"

Common Phrases

  • act of penitence – a symbolic or real action to show regret.
  • signs of penitence – outward expressions of remorse.
  • prayer of penitence – religious prayer seeking forgiveness.

Collocations

  • show penitence
  • deep penitence
  • express penitence
  • true penitence
  • penitence for sins

Examples

  1. He showed true penitence for the mistakes he had made.
  2. The criminal’s penitence was clear in his heartfelt apology.
  3. In many religions, penitence is seen as the first step toward forgiveness.
  4. She bowed her head in penitence, ashamed of her harsh words.
  5. Acts of penitence, such as fasting or prayer, are practiced in some cultures.
  6. The judge noted the defendant’s penitence before passing sentence.
  7. His letter was filled with penitence and a promise to change.
  • remorse
  • repentance
  • contrition
  • regret
  • guilt