PENITENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Penitence is defined as the state or feeling of being remorseful or regretful for one's wrongdoing or the awareness and admission of one's faults and sins, accompanied by a sincere desire to change, make amends, or seek forgiveness. It is a term primarily used within the context of religious or spiritual beliefs and practices, as it often relates to acknowledging and seeking reconciliation with a higher power or deity.
The feeling of penitence typically arises from a profound sense of guilt or shame for one's actions, where an individual recognizes the moral or ethical transgressions they have committed. This acknowledgment fuels a sincere desire for personal transformation and the willingness to make right the wrongs inflicted upon others or themselves.
Penitence often involves engaging in acts of self-reflection and introspection, as well as taking responsibility for one's actions. This may include participating in rituals or practices specifically designed to demonstrate remorse and seek forgiveness, such as confession, prayer, or acts of repentance.
In religious traditions, penitence is considered an essential step towards spiritual growth, as it leads individuals to recognize their vulnerability and inherent imperfections while opening themselves to the possibility of redemption and forgiveness. By embracing penitence, individuals can strive to live a more virtuous and ethical life, guided by their genuine remorse and commitment to make amends for their past actions.
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Sorrow or grief of heart for sins; remorse.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of PENITENCE
The word "penitence" comes from the Latin word "poenitentia", which means "repentance" or "regret". "Poenitentia" is derived from the Latin verb "poenitere", meaning "to repent". The term was later adopted into Old French as "penitence" and then entered the English language during the Middle Ages.
Similar spelling words for PENITENCE
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