Penitence (noun)

A feeling of remorse or regret for having done something wrong, accompanied by a desire to make amends.

Origin:

Derived from the latin word 'paenitentia', meaning 'repentance'.

Examples:

1. The priest could see the true penitence in the man's eyes, and forgave him for his sins.
2. Many people seek penitence as a way of finding inner peace and happiness after making a mistake.
3. Penitence is often expressed through acts of contrition, such as making restitution or performing acts of charity.
4. For some, penitence is an essential part of their religious beliefs, and is seen as a way of seeking forgiveness from a higher power.
5. Penitence is a common theme in literature and art, often used to explore the human experience of regret and redemption.