text: The word penance derives from Old French and Latin poenitentia , both of which derive from the same root meaning repentance , the desire to be forgiven ; ( in English see contrition ) .
simplified: The word penance comes from the Latin poenitentia , the same root as penitence , which in English means repentance , the desire to be forgiven , see contrition ; in many languages there is only one single word for it .