mindmap root((忏悔)) penitence implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds: willing to forgive when faced with the outward signs of ~. repentance adds the implication of an awareness of one's shortcomings and a resolve to change: a complete change of character accompanied his ~. contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that accompanies true penitence: the beatings were usually followed by tearful expressions of ~. compunction implies a painful sting of conscience for past or especially for contemplated wrongdoing: have no ~ about taking back what is mine. remorse suggest prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied: swindlers are not usually plagued by feelings of ~.