penitence

[ pen-i-tuh ns ]
/ ˈpɛn ɪ təns /

noun

the state of being penitent; regret for one's wrongdoing or sinning; contrition; repentance.

Origin of penitence

1150–1200; Middle English (< Old French) < Medieval Latin pēnitentia, Latin paenitentia a regretting. See penitent, -ence

Example sentences from the Web for penitence