Pronunciation: [ʃˈə͡ʊ pˈɛnɪtəns] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "show penitence" is /ʃoʊ ˈpɛnɪtəns/. The first word has a long "o" sound followed by the "sh" sound, while the second word has a short "e" sound, an "n" sound, a short "i" sound, a "t" sound, and an unstressed "uh" sound. "Penitence" comes from the Latin word "paenitentia," which means regret or repentance. To show penitence is to demonstrate remorse for a wrongdoing or mistake.
Showing penitence refers to displaying sincere regret or remorse for wrongdoing or committing a wrongful act. It is an act of acknowledging and accepting one's responsibility, expressing remorse, and seeking forgiveness for the harm caused to others or oneself. Penitence is often associated with feelings of guilt and the desire to atone for one's actions.
To show penitence means actively demonstrating the willingness to change or make amends. This may involve apologizing sincerely to the affected parties, acknowledging the harm caused, and taking steps to rectify the situation. It also encompasses being remorseful and showing genuine contrition through actions and words.
Actions that show penitence can vary, depending on the context and severity of the wrongdoing. It may involve making reparations, seeking reconciliation, or actively engaging in self-reflection and self-improvement. Verbal expressions of regret, such as a heartfelt apology or accepting full responsibility for one's mistakes, are also important aspects of showing penitence.
The act of showing penitence is not solely about seeking forgiveness from others; it can also involve a personal journey of growth and transformation. It demonstrates one's ability to recognize the impact of their actions on others and their desire to learn from their mistakes. Ultimately, showing penitence is an important step towards personal growth, healing, and repairing damaged relationships.
The word "penitence" can be traced back to the Latin word "poenitentia", which means "repentance" or "regret". The Latin term evolved into Old French as "penitence", with the same meaning, and was later borrowed into Middle English.
The word "show" comes from the Old English word "scēawian", which means "to look at" or "to behold". Over time, it acquired the additional meaning of "to display" or "to present".
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "show penitence" is a combination of the Latin origin of "penitence", meaning regret or repentance, and the Old English origin of "show", meaning to display or present.
