penance

Where does the word "penance" come from? It comes from Latin paenitentia, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Penance’s story begins in Latin: paenitentia meant “repentance.” From 'paenitere', to regret. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as penance. A church sacrament of confession and satisfaction. It reached English by 1200s as penance. 'penitentiary' shares the root. Today, penance means a punishment taken on to show regret for wrongdoing.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient paenitentia "repentance", from 'paenitere', to regret.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval penance "repentance", a church sacrament of confession and satisfaction.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s penance "a punishment for sin", 'penitentiary' shares the root.