penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds.
absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence
repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change.
repentance accompanied by a complete change of character
contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence.
tearful expressions of contrition
compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing.
had no compunctions about taking back what is mine
remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.
thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse
Example Sentences
the sincerity of the player's penitence is questionable—he began to express remorse only after the suspension was handed down
Recent Examples on the WebIn Strahovski’s case, that’s a penitence that’s still shaded with Serena Joy’s pride and near-total inability to truly concede wrong. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 The trip broke the norms of papal travel because it was overtly aimed at penitence, not evangelization. Chico Harlan, Washington Post, 30 July 2022 The apology that Francis made on Indigeneous lands on Monday, long in coming and held back along the way, put the Church on the path of penitence once and for all. Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 26 July 2022 When the Leominster stool was moved to its new position in the priory in 2004, locals held a service of penitence. Katie Dancey-downs, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 July 2022 After putting in the hard work of patience and penitence, the month is finished off with optimism. Manal Aman, Woman's Day, 18 Apr. 2022 Followers — including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians and Lutherans — put ashes on their foreheads as an outward symbol of their penitence.The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Mar. 2022 There are, no doubt, references to art historical tropes, perhaps to images that remind of us of the brevity of life, or even penitence.Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2021 The church has tended to emphasize spiritual penitence instead of penitentiaries.Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French penitance, from Medieval Latin poenitentia, alteration of Latin paenitentia regret, from paenitent-, paenitens, present participle