penitence
/ˈpɛnɪt(ə)ns
/noun [mass noun]
The action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance: a public display of penitence...
- Such is his infinite penitence and regret that he looks out on the world and the bereaved family through a window of tears.
- We are, it seems, so far gone in sin and decadence that no repentance or penitence can be adequate.
- They were intended to move the will of the one praying not only to compunction for sin and penitence, but to a desire for God and confidence in God's love.
Synonyms
repentance, contrition, compunction, regret, remorse, remorsefulness, ruefulness, pangs of conscience, self-reproach, contriteness, self-accusation, shame, sorrow, guilt
