Penance

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛnəns/

Definitions of penance

noun a punishment undergone in token of penitence for sin

Example Sentences

A1 She performed a penance by saying sorry to her friend.

A2 As a form of penance, he had to clean up the mess he made.

B1 The priest assigned a penance of ten Hail Marys and five Our Fathers.

B2 After committing a serious offense, he underwent a period of penance to seek forgiveness.

C1 The monk's penance involved fasting and prayer for a week.

C2 She took on a pilgrimage as a form of penance for her past actions.

Examples of penance in a Sentence

formal After confessing his sins, the priest assigned him a penance of saying ten Hail Marys.

informal I had to do a penance of cleaning the whole house after coming home late last night.

slang I got caught cheating on the test and now I have to do this stupid penance for it.

figurative Her decision to volunteer at the homeless shelter was her way of doing penance for her past mistakes.

Grammatical Forms of penance

• past tense: penanced
• plural: penances
• comparative: more penitent
• superlative: most penitent
• present tense: penances
• future tense: will penance
• perfect tense: have penanced
• continuous tense: is penancing
• singular: penance
• positive degree: penitent
• infinitive: to penance
• gerund: penancing
• participle: penancing

Origin and Evolution of penance

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'penance' originated from the Latin word 'poenitentia' which means repentance or regret.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'penance' has shifted from a form of punishment or self-discipline to a religious act of repentance and seeking forgiveness.