How to pronounce penance
Say it like PEN-uns. Penance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce penance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PEN
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Penance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of penance
American and British speakers say penance in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛnəns/ in the US and /ˈpɛnəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: PEN-uns.
What does penance mean?
- A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
- A sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer).
- Any instrument of self-punishment.
- To impose penance; to punish.
Where does penance come from?
From Middle English penaunce, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French peneance, from Latin paenitentia (“repentance, penitence”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying penance
How do you pronounce penance?
Say PEN-uns. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛnəns/. In British English it is /ˈpɛnəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in penance?
Penance has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEN). Broken into parts: PEN · uns.
Do Americans and Brits say penance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛnəns/ and the British form is /ˈpɛnəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.