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Vocabulary Entry
penance
|noun • verb
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N
noun
A voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for wrongdoing.
Example Sentences
"He performed penance for his mistakes by volunteering at the shelter."
"She felt that a period of quiet reflection was an essential penance for her past decisions."
"The church offered various forms of penance to help people seek forgiveness."
V
verb
To impose a punishment on oneself as an act of repentance.
Example Sentences
"After the argument, he chose to penance by avoiding social gatherings."
"She decided to penance for her deceit by making amends with those she hurt."
"Many people penance in different ways, seeking forgiveness through acts of kindness."