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pénitence

penance, penitence

noun peh-nee-TAHNS Rare
Mind & Emotions Values

Origin: From Latin 'paenitentia', from 'paenitere' (to repent).

Usage Note

Pénitence is used in religious contexts for the sacrament of penance (le sacrement de pénitence) and more broadly for any punishment or hardship accepted as reparation. In informal speech faire pénitence or être en pénitence can mean being sent to a corner as a child's punishment.

Examples

"Le prêtre lui a imposé une pénitence légère."

Natural Translation

The priest gave him a light penance.

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