Penitence

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A deep feeling of sorrow and remorse for having done wrong
2. An emotion characterized by sincere regret and a wish to make amends for mistakes
3. The state of being sorry for misconduct and desiring to correct one’s behavior

Etymology: Penitence and penance are doublets: two English words that descend from the same Latin source by different routes. Penitence came into English in the 13th century from Old French, which had taken it from Latin "paenitentia," meaning repentance or regret. Penance arrived by a more worn-down path, so the two now look and feel quite different even though they share a root. The Latin root belongs to the verb "paeniteo," meaning to regret or repent. Penitence is therefore built from "penitent" plus the suffix "-ence," which turns an adjective or participle into a noun of state. In effect, the word names the condition of being sorry for something you have done.

Synonyms: repentance, contrition, sorrow, regret, remorse

Antonyms: indifference, happiness, joy, satisfaction, glee