repent
1[ ri-pent ]
/ rɪˈpɛnt /
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 by of): He repented after his thoughtless act.
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)
to remember or regard with self-reproach or contrition: to repent one's injustice to another.
to feel sorry for; regret: to repent an imprudent act.
Nearby words
- repeating firearm,
- repechage,
- repel,
- repellant,
- repellent,
- repentance,
- repentant,
- repentigny,
- repeople,
- repercussion
Origin of repent
1repent
2[ ree-puh nt, ri-pent ]
/ ˈri pənt, rɪˈpɛnt /
adjective
Origin of repent
2Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for repent
repent
1/ (rɪˈpɛnt) /
verb
to feel remorse (for); be contrite (about); show penitence (for)he repents of his extravagance; he repented his words
Word Origin for repent
C13: from Old French repentir from re- + pentir to be contrite, from Latin paenitēre to repent
adjective
botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptantrepent stems
Word Origin for repent
C17: from Latin rēpere to creep
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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repent
c.1300, "to feel such regret for sins or crimes as produces amendment of life," from Old French repentir (11c.), from re-, here probably an intensive prefix (see re-), + Vulgar Latin *penitire "to regret," from Latin poenitire "make sorry," from poena (see penal). The distinction between regret (q.v.) and repent is made in many modern languages, but the differentiation is not present in older periods. Related: Repented; repenting.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper