penitence etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: penitance
  • Latin: paenitentia
  • Proto-Indo-European: *pƏnkʷ- (to punish, avenge)

Meaning:

  • The act of expressing remorse or sorrow for sins or wrongdoing.
  • A religious punishment or discipline imposed on a sinner.

Origin:

The term "penitence" originated in ancient Rome, where it referred to a monetary fine or payment made by someone who had wronged another. Over time, the meaning of penitence expanded to include a sense of repentance and the act of atonement for sins.

In Christianity, penitence became an important concept associated with the sacrament of reconciliation or confession. It is seen as a sincere expression of sorrow for one's sins and a desire to change one's ways. Penitence typically involves prayer, fasting, and other forms of self-denial.

In various religions and spiritual traditions, penitence may take different forms and expressions. It is often seen as a necessary step in the process of spiritual purification and reconciliation with a higher power or with oneself.

penitence relate terms

  • impenitent

    Etymology Impenitent comes from the Latin word impaenitēns which means not repent

  • penitence

    Etymology Old French penitance Latin paenitentia Proto Indo European pƏnkʷ to p

  • penitent

    Etymology The word penitent comes from the Latin word paenitens derived from paeni

  • penitence

    Etymology Old French penitance Latin paenitentia Proto Indo European pƏnkʷ to p

  • penitentiary

    Etymology Middle English penitenciarye 14th century Late Latin poenitentiarius 6th c

  • repentance

    Etymology The word repentance comes from the Latin word poenitentia which itself or

  • penance

    Etymology From Old French penance from Latin paenitentia from poenitere to repent r

  • sacrifice

    Etymology The word sacrifice originates from the Latin word sacrificium which is der

  • remorse

    Etymology Old French remors remord Latin remorsus from remordeo to bite back Pr

  • purple

    Etymology The word purple ultimately derives from the Greek word porphyra which ref

  • compunction

    Etymology Latin compunctio Old French componction Middle English compuncioun Meanin

  • staple

    Etymology The word staple derives from the Old English word stapol which means a po

  • shower

    Etymology The word shower has multiple etymological origins Old English scur mea