The word "impenitency" refers to the state of being unrepentant or refusing to feel remorse for one's actions. It is pronounced /ɪmˈpɛnɪtənsi/ and is spelled with the prefix "im-" indicating negation and the roots "penitent" and "-cy" indicating a quality or state. The spelling of "impenitency" may appear challenging due to the number of syllables and the presence of the uncommon letter combination "-ti-", but with practice, it can be easily mastered.
Impenitency is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being unrepentant, showing no remorse or sorrow for one's wrongdoings or sins. It describes an attitude or disposition of refusing to acknowledge or admit one's faults, and thus, not seeking forgiveness or amending one's behavior.
Individuals displaying impenitency may show a persistent and hardened resistance to change or accept responsibility for their actions, often demonstrating indifference or defiance towards moral or ethical principles. They may reject any form of remorse, making it difficult for others to reconcile with or forgive them.
Impenitency can manifest in various contexts, such as religious, moral, or legal. In a religious context, it refers to a lack of repentance towards God or a refusal to seek divine forgiveness. From a moral standpoint, impenitency involves a refusal to acknowledge and rectify moral wrongs, often displaying a disregard for the suffering caused to others. In legal realms, impenitency may pertain to a lack of remorse expressed by individuals who have been found guilty of committing offenses or crimes, potentially influencing their sentencing or rehabilitation.
Overall, impenitency refers to a persistent and unyielding state of being unrepentant, where an individual resists acknowledging their wrongdoing or refuses to take steps towards personal growth, forgiveness, or reconciliation.
Want of repentance; hardness of heart; want of remorse for crimes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "impenitency" is derived from the combination of the prefix "im-" meaning "not", and the noun "penitency". "Penitency" is derived from the Latin word "paenitentia", which means "repentance, regret". In turn, "paenitentia" is derived from the verb "paenitere", meaning "to repent". Therefore, "impenitency" refers to the state or quality of being unrepentant or lacking regret.