penitence

Meaning

The condition of being penitent; a feeling of regret or remorse for doing wrong or sinning.

Frequency

45k
Etymology

In summary

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.

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