relent

American  

[ri-lent] / rɪˈlɛnt /

verb (used without object)

1. to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.

   Synonyms:

   yield, bend

2. to become less severe; slacken.

   The winds relented.

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verb (used with object)

1. Obsolete. to cause to soften in feeling, temper, or determination.

2. Obsolete. to cause to slacken; abate.

3. Obsolete. to abandon; relinquish.

relent British  

/ rɪˈlɛnt /

verb

1. to change one's mind about some decided course, esp a harsh one; become more mild or amenable

2. (of the pace or intensity of something) to slacken

3. (of the weather) to become more mild

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Other Word Forms

• nonrelenting
  adjective
• relentingly
  adverb
• unrelented
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of relent

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin *relentāre, equivalent to Latin re- re- + lentāre to bend, derivative of lentus flexible, viscous, slow

Explanation

Being unwilling to relent is a good qualification for a sales person. You have to keep trying to make the sale and never give in until you've made it. The root of relent is the Latin lentus, which means "to slow down or soften." The original meaning, from the 15th century, most likely had to do with the heart — as in "to stop resisting love." Now, however, relent can have all manner of applications, but the meaning is always the same: to let up, soften, yield or give in. Often, you'll hear the adjective relentless used to describe someone who won't relent: "The firemen refused to relent; they banged relentlessly on the door until I woke up."

Example Sentences

I was still hovering near the exit, thinking, Relent, you fool! when a huge, older guy ran over from the adjacent court and chased Matt off.

From Slate • May 24, 2018

Relent, rē-lent′, v.i. to slacken, to soften or grow less severe: to grow tender: to feel compassion.—adj. soft-hearted: yielding.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Even if Persephone be not restored, Whether Aidoneus hold her or release, Relent thou.—Stay thine anger, mighty goddess; Nor with thy hateful famine slay mankind.

From The Poetical Works of Robert Bridges by Bridges, Robert

"Perhaps afterwards Mr Angel will Relent," said Lady Hammergallow, when Mrs Pirbright had explained the matter to her.

From The Wonderful Visit by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

But O, you vile nation of cut-purses all, Relent, and repent, and amend, and be sound, And know that you ought not by honest men’s fall, Advance your own fortunes to die above ground.

From A History of the Cries of London Ancient and Modern by Hindley, Charles

Related Words

• acquiesce
• capitulate
• cave in
• come around
• comply
• ease off
• give in
• give up
• let go
• quit
• relax
• slacken
• soften
• subside