penitence

/'penitəns/

Thân thiện

The monk knelt in silent penitence before the altar.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Remorse for past conduct: A feeling of sincere regret or sorrow for having done something wrong, often accompanied by a desire to atone or make amends. It implies a deep, personal sense of guilt and a commitment to change.

Usage

• Penitence is an uncountable noun. It describes a profound internal state of regret.
• It is often associated with religious or moral contexts, such as confessing sins or seeking forgiveness.
• It is used in formal or literary contexts more than in casual conversation.

Examples

• After realizing the harm his lies had caused, he was filled with penitence.
• The prisoner showed genuine penitence for his crimes during the parole hearing.
• In many religions, acts of charity are performed as an expression of penitence.

Advanced Usage

• "To do penance": This is a related verbal phrase meaning to perform an act to show penitence.
  • He fasted for a week to do penance for his mistakes.
• "In penitence": A prepositional phrase describing a state of being.
  • She knelt in penitence, praying for forgiveness.

Variants and Related Words

• Penitent (adj/noun): Feeling or showing sorrow for having done wrong. A person who repents.
  • The penitent man asked for forgiveness. (adj)
  • The priest listened to the penitent. (noun)
• Penitential (adj): Relating to or expressing penitence.
  • The penitential season of Lent.
• Repentance (noun): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably, though sometimes implies a more decisive turning away from sin.

Synonyms

• Remorse: Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
• Contrition: The state of feeling remorseful and penitent.
• Repentance: Sincere regret or remorse accompanied by a change of heart and behavior.

Antonyms

• Impenitence: Lack of regret or shame.
• Defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Wear sackcloth and ashes": An idiom meaning to show extreme penitence or remorse publicly, originating from an ancient practice.
  • After the scandal, the CEO wasn't just apologetic; he was practically wearing sackcloth and ashes.
• "A penitent heart": A phrase describing a sincere attitude of remorse.
  • The judge was moved by the defendant's apparently penitent heart.

Học thuật

Noun

1. remorse for your past conduct

Từ đồng nghĩa

• repentance
• penance