PENITENCE, REPENTANCE, CONTRITION, COMPUNCTION, REMORSE

PENITENCE, REPENTANCE, CONTRITION, COMPUNCTION, REMORSE mean regret for sin or wrongdoing.

PENITENCE implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds *absolution is dependent upon sincere penitence*.

impenitent~~contrite,remorseful
penitent:contrition=belligerent:aggression
penitent:obdurate=skeptic:credulous
rueful~~impenitent
skeptic:credulous=penitent:obdurate

REPENTANCE adds the implication of a resolve to change *repentance accompanied by a complete change of character*.

insatiable:sate=unrependant(unrepentant):forgive(x)
unrepentant~~not penitent,remorseful

CONTRITION stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true penitence *tearful expressions of contrition*.

apologize:contrite=compliment:impressed=thank:grateful
apology:contrite=vacillate:irresolute
impenitent~~contrite
pedagogue:instruct=apologize:contrite
vacillate:uncertain=apologize:contrite

COMPUNCTION implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing *had no compunctions about taking back what is mine*.

compunction~~lack of misgiving
impartial:prejudice=unashamed:compunction
imparity:prejudice=unshameness:compunction

REMORSE suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied *thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse*.

Remorse:
1 : a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs : SELF-REPROACH

2 obsolete : COMPASSION

Remorseless:
1 : having no remorse : MERCILESS

2 : RELENTLESS

impenitent~~remorseful
longing:pine=remorse:rue
penitent~~unremorseful
remorseless:compassion=craven:courage
truculent:gentleness=sincere:guile=unregenerate:remorse
unrepentant~~not penitent,remorseful