repentance
UK: rɪˈpentəns | US: rɪˈpentəns
n. sincere regret or remorse for wrongdoing
n. (theology) the act of repenting, especially as a religious practice
repentance = repent<regret> + ance<noun suffix>
- repent<regret>: Derived from Old French repentir (to feel sorrow), from Latin repaenitere ("to cause regret"), combining re- (intensive) + paenitere (to regret).
- ance<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns indicating a state or quality (e.g., "importance," "resistance").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin repaenitere, where re- intensifies the sense of regret (paenitere). Over time, Old French repentir evolved into Middle English repenten, and the suffix -ance was added to nominalize the act of feeling remorse. The term retains its core meaning of deep regret, often tied to moral or religious contexts.
His repentance was evident in his tearful apology.
True repentance requires both acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a commitment to change.
The sermon emphasized the importance of repentance in spiritual growth.
She showed no repentance for her harsh words.
In many traditions, repentance is a step toward forgiveness.