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penance

/ˈpɛn.əns/

Meanings
noun
A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.

Examples :

"After arguing with his brother, Tom did penance by helping with chores all afternoon. "
religion guilt moral action theology

Related Words

Illustration repentance

repentance noun

/ɹɪˈpɛntəns/

The condition of being penitent.

"After arguing with his sister, he felt a strong sense of repentance. "

Illustration afternoon

afternoon noun

/af.təɾˈnʉːn/ /ˌɑːf.tə.ˈnuːn/ /ˌæf.tɚ.ˈnun/

The part of the day from noon or lunchtime until sunset, evening, or suppertime or 6pm.

"We usually have family dinner in the afternoon. "

Illustration accidentally

accidentally adverb

/ˌæksəˈdɛnt(ə)li/

In an accidental manner; by chance, unexpectedly.

"He discovered penicillin largely accidentally."

Illustration instrument

instrument noun

/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/

A device used to produce music.

"The violinist was a master of her instrument."

Illustration wrongdoing

wrongdoing verb

/ɹɒŋˈduːɪŋ/

To do something wrong; to break a rule or offend.

"The student was caught wrongdoing on the test, so the teacher gave him a zero. "

Illustration punishment

punishment noun

/ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/

The act or process of punishing, imposing and/or applying a sanction.

"The school's punishment for cheating was a week of detention. "

Illustration parishioner

parishioner noun

/pəˈɹɪʃnə(ɹ)/

A member of a parish.

"The parishioner donated flowers to the church altar. "

Illustration voluntary

voluntary noun

/ˈvɒ.lən.tɹi/ /ˈvɑ.lənˌtɛ.ɹi/

A short piece of music, often having improvisation, played on a solo instrument.

"The student's piano recital featured a beautiful voluntary. "

Illustration receiving

receiving verb

/ɹɪˈsiːvɪŋ/

To take, as something that is offered, given, committed, sent, paid, etc.; to accept; to be given something.

"She received many presents for her birthday."

Illustration sacrament

sacrament noun

/ˈsækɹəmənt/

A sacred act or ceremony in Christianity. In Catholic theology, a sacrament is defined as "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace."

"The wedding was a beautiful sacrament, signifying the couple's commitment to each other. "

Illustration reparation

reparation noun

/ˌɹɛpəˈɹeɪʃən/

(usually in the plural) A payment of time, effort or money to undo past transgression(s).

"After the argument, the siblings agreed on reparations: Liam would help clean the kitchen, and Maya would finish their homework together. "

Illustration carelessness

carelessness noun

/ˈkɛələsnəs/ /ˈkɛɹləsnəs/

Lack of care.

"This accident was caused by carelessness."