Basic Details
Word: Penance
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An act that shows you are sorry for something bad you did, often done to make up for it.
Synonyms: Atonement, repentance, sacrifice
Antonyms: Indifference, apathy
Idioms and Phrases
- Do penance: To perform an act to compensate for wrongdoing. Example: "He had to do penance by volunteering at the animal shelter after being rude to his friend."
- Pay the penance: To accept the consequences of one's actions. Example: "After skipping school, Jamie knew she had to pay the penance by completing extra homework."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After realising her mistake, she decided to do penance by helping her community more actively.
Example 2: He felt that volunteering at the soup kitchen was a necessary penance for his earlier selfish behaviour.
Example 3: The character in the story had to face his penance before he could move on with his life.
Fun Fact
The word "penance" originates from the Latin word "paenitentia," which means "repentance." It has been used throughout history in various religions as a way for people to express regret for their actions and seek forgiveness.
Famous Quote
"Penance is the price one pays for one's mistakes." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "penance" mean?
a) A type of game
b) An act of making up for wrongdoing
c) A form of entertainment
d) A kind of food
Answer: b) An act of making up for wrongdoing
2. Which of these is a synonym of "penance"?
a) Atonement
b) Celebration
c) Agreement
d) Excitement
Answer: a) Atonement
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "penance"?
a) Repentance
b) Responsibility
c) Indifference
d) Sacrifice
Answer: c) Indifference
4. Which sentence uses "penance" correctly?
a) She did penance by preparing a delicious dinner.
b) He felt no need for penance after winning the game.
c) After being unkind, she performed penance by apologising.
d) The penance for winning was a joy.
Answer: c) After being unkind, she performed penance by apologising.
5. What does the idiom "pay the penance" mean?
a) To receive a reward
b) To accept the consequences of one's actions
c) To forget about mistakes
d) To celebrate success
Answer: b) To accept the consequences of one's actions
