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Definition of penitence - 3 dictionary results

pen⋅i⋅tence

  [pen-i-tuhns]
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–noun
the state of being penitent; regret for one's wrongdoing or sinning; contrition; repentance.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME (< OF) < ML pēnitentia, L paenitentia a regretting. See penitent, -ence

Synonyms:
See regret.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pen·i·tence   (pěn'ĭ-təns)   
n.  The condition or quality of being penitent; regret for wrongdoing.
Synonyms: These nouns denote a feeling of regret for one's sins or misdeeds: showed no penitence; ended the relationship without compunction; pangs of contrition; tears of remorse; sincere repentance.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

penitence 
c.1200, from O.Fr. penitence (11c.), from L. pænitentia "repentance," from pænitentum (nom. pænitens) "penitent," prp. of pænitere "cause or feel regret," probably originally "is not enough, is unsatisfactory," from pæne "nearby, almost." Penitent (adj.) is attested from c.1375; as a noun meaning "one who is doing penance," it is attested from 1412.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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