repent
verb (used without object)
to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often followed byof ).
have been repenting
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present perfect progressiveof repent.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I’ll give you a helping hand,” volunteered Frank, who knew the sensitive nature of his chum, and understood how, in all probability, Jerry must have been repenting of his carelessness all the afternoon.
From The Outdoor Chums on a Houseboat by Quincy Allen
I am warranted in saying this, for I do not believe in my heart, that since the defection of Russia, Ministers have been repenting of their answer.
From Selected Speeches on British Foreign Policy 1738-1914 by Sir Edgar R. (Edgar Rees) Jones
"Exactly," he admitted, "and I should probably have been repenting it by now but for your words last night."
From The Cinema Murder by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
I declined my coffee and some of Mrs. Carter's ambrosial apple pie, this evening, and I have been repenting ever since.
From From the Car Behind by James Montgomery Flagg
And now every ear of it would have been repenting in sackcloth and ashes if it had been qualified by Nature to know how little it would fetch per bushel.
From Somehow Good by William Frend De Morgan
