Penance Meaning in English
word
Definition
Penance is an action or feeling of regret for doing something wrong, often done to make up for a mistake or sin. In religious contexts, it can mean a specific act or prayer to show you are sorry.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly formal or religious. Common in Catholic and Christian contexts ('do penance', 'a penance for his sins'). Can also be used metaphorically for self-imposed hardships as 'penance' for mistakes. Not the same as 'punishment' (which comes from others); 'penance' is usually chosen or accepted.
Example Sentences
He did penance for lying to his parents.
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Confessing his mistake was the first step of his penance.
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As penance, she volunteered at the animal shelter.
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He saw his long walk home in the rain as penance for forgetting her birthday.
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Giving up chocolate for a month felt like a small penance after all those sweets.
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She treated helping with chores as penance for breaking her brother's toy.
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