penitence
penitence — noun
1. a feeling of deep sadness and regret that comes from understanding that somethin
a feeling of deep sadness and regret that comes from understanding that something you did was morally wrong, often expressed through actions such as apologizing or trying to make up for the harm caused
After the argument, Takeshi felt genuine penitence and wrote his sister a letter of apology.
genuine penitence — adjective + noun for intensity
The priest told the congregation that confession without true penitence in the heart is empty.
religious context: true penitence in the heart
Kofi showed his penitence by returning the wallet he took, along with money as compensation.
No sign of penitence could be heard when the boy apologised to the librarian.
Eleni's penitence was obvious when tears filled her eyes as she described her actions.
- remorse
Stronger and more emotional; suggests lasting anguish, not just a passing feeling
- contrition
More formal and often specifically religious; implies sorrow motivated by a sense of having offended God or a moral law
- repentance
Implies a decision to change one's behaviour going forward, not just feel sorry about the past
- regret
Broader and less formal; can refer to mistakes with no moral dimension, such as missing an opportunity
- impenitence
The direct opposite: lack of any sorrow or regret for wrongdoing
- defiance
Actively refusing to admit wrongdoing or to feel sorry
用法筆記
Unlike 'regret', which can apply to any unwanted outcome, penitence specifically involves a moral dimension — the recognition that one's action was wrong, not merely unfortunate. Common in religious, legal, and literary contexts.