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Penance

Noun CEFR C2 Standard
ˈpɛn.əns

Definitions

  1. A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
    countable, uncountable
  2. A sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer).
    countable, uncountable
  3. Any instrument of self-punishment.
    countable, uncountable
  4. repentance
    countable, obsolete, uncountable
  5. pain; sorrow; suffering
    countable, obsolete, uncountable

Equivalents

26 more languages

Examples

“Quoth he, "The man hath penance done, / And penance more will do."”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

Penanced Penances Penancing Penang Penang laksa Penang lawyer

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