How to Pronounce "penance"
word
/ˈpɛnəns/
PEN-uhns
/pˈɛnəns/
PEN-uhns
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.
IPA Transcription
American English
/ˈpɛnəns/
British English
/pˈɛnəns/
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PEN-uhns
UK
PEN-uhns
Listen in Context
He did penance for lying to his parents.
Confessing his mistake was the first step of his penance.
As penance, she volunteered at the animal shelter.
He saw his long walk home in the rain as penance for forgetting her birthday.