Penance Meaning
/ˈpɛn.əns/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
nounA sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer).
Sentence Examples
He is doing penance.
Penance is one of the seven sacraments.
If rain fails there will be neither charity nor penance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The monk performed a solemn ____ to atone for his past sins.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
As a form of ____, the monk fasted for three days and spent hours in silent prayer.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English penaunce, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”). Doublet of penitence.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Quoth he, "The man hath penance done, / And penance more will do.""
— 1797–1798 (date written), [Samuel Taylor Coleridge], “The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere”, in Lyrical Ballads, with a Few Other Poems, London: […] J[ohn] & A[rthur] Arch, […], published 1798, →OCLC:
"She seem'd, at once, some penanced lady elf, / Some demon mistress, or the demon's self."
— 1819, John Keats, “Lamia”, in Lamia, Isabella, the Eve of St. Agnes, and Other Poems, London: […] [Thomas Davison] for Taylor and Hessey, […], published 1820, →OCLC, part I, page 6:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The monk performed a solemn ____ to atone for his past sins.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
As a form of ____, the monk fasted for three days and spent hours in silent prayer.