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View synonyms for repent

repent

1

[ ri-pent ]

verb (used without object)

  1. to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc. (often followed by of ):

    He repented after his thoughtless act.

  2. to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent.


verb (used with object)

  1. to remember or regard with self-reproach or contrition:

    to repent one's injustice to another.

  2. to feel sorry for; regret:

    to repent an imprudent act.

repent

2

[ ree-puhnt, ri-pent ]

adjective

repent

1

/ ˈriːpənt /

adjective

  1. botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptant

    repent stems

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


repent

2

/ rɪˈpɛnt /

verb

  1. to feel remorse (for); be contrite (about); show penitence (for)

    he repented his words

    he repents of his extravagance

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • reˈpenter, noun
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Other Words From

  • re·penter noun
  • re·penting·ly adverb
  • unre·pented adjective
  • unre·penting adjective
  • unre·penting·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of repent1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English repenten, from Old French repentir, from re- re- + pentir “to feel sorrow” (from Latin paenitēre “to regret, be sorry”; penitent )

Origin of repent2

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin rēpent- stem of rēpēns “crawling,” present participle of rēpere “to crawl, creep”; perhaps akin to serpere “to creep, crawl” ( serpent ( def ) )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of repent1

C17: from Latin rēpere to creep

Origin of repent2

C13: from Old French repentir from re- + pentir to be contrite, from Latin paenitēre to repent
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Example Sentences

The newborn suffered terrible burns to her face before the family repented and took her home.

From Ozy

If Hiltz had had his way, he said, he “would not pardon rebels, especially the leaders” until they first supplicated themselves “in the dust of humiliation” and sincerely repented for the rebellion.

Nature shields us from the worst consequences of our own actions, forgiving the sins we refuse to repent.

As the years rolled on, Cronos repented his actions, but it was too late.

I need them to repent of what got them here and turn in a new direction.

From Time

They were told, again as gently as such a message could be, that they were unbelievers but would soon repent.

A: You must repent for entertaining the notion of killing a person, especially as a means of resolving a dispute.

Two of the women repent, so they ascend to heaven, and one woman refuses, and is doomed to hell.

But rather than hiding away in a dark monastery to repent, Cardinal Law is instead an exalted member of Vatican inner circles.

Investigating signs and ads, such as Repent and Sin No More!

Mr. Pickwick—deepest obligations—life preserver—made a man of me—you shall never repent it, sir.

When the father had finished, he stabbed his wife, telling her to repent of her sins and to confess to God who would pardon her.

But later the Marshal had bitter cause to repent these triumphs won over his rival.

But if the house had been transferred, A could not afterwards repent of his act and demand its return.

If it shall do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice: I will repent of the good that I have spoken to do unto it.

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