penance
UK[ˈpɛnəns]US[ˈpɛnəns]
n
An act that shows you regret something you have done, often for religious reasons.
n
A punishment that you accept for something you have done wrong.
Morpheme Breakdown
pen
ance
pen
punish
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'penance' entered English in the 13th century from Old French penance, itself derived from Latin paenitentia, meaning 'repentance'. The Latin root is paenitere, 'to make sorry', which is of uncertain deeper origin but may relate to concepts of deficiency or lack. The core logic of the word's evolution is from an internal feeling of regret (paenitentia) to the outward, often ritualized, act or punishment undertaken to express that regret and seek atonement. Thus, the modern meaning concretizes the abstract state of repentance into a specific action or imposed penalty.
Analysis
Structure: pen (punish) + ance (noun suffix)
- pen: From Latin paenitentia (repentance), via Old French penance. The core sense is related to repentance and punishment.
- ance: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-antia) via French, indicating a state, quality, or action.
Examples
He did charitable work as a penance for his past mistakes.
The priest gave her a penance of ten Hail Marys.
She is doing penance for her harsh words by apologizing sincerely.