repent

¹ American  

[ri-pent] / rɪˈpɛnt /

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 byof ).

   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.

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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 American  

[ree-puhnt, ri-pent] / ˈri pənt, rɪˈpɛnt /

adjective

1. creeping.

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repent ¹ British  

/ rɪˈpɛnt /

verb

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

   he repents of his extravagance

   he repented his words

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repent ² British  

/ ˈriːpənt /

adjective

1. botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptant

   repent stems

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Other Word Forms

• repenter noun
• repentingly adverb
• unrepented adjective
• unrepenting adjective
• unrepentingly adverb

Etymology

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. ) )

Explanation

The verb repent means "to feel sorry for something you've done." When you repent, you acknowledge what you did and vow to change your ways. The word repent comes from the Old French word repentir, which means, "to feel regret for sins or crimes." If you cheat on an exam in school, and feel guilty afterwards, you might repent for your bad behavior by confessing to your teacher. The verb repent is often used in a religious context: when you repent, you try to make up for what you've done, promise to avoid sin in the future and devote yourself to God.

Example Sentences

Carvey told Sherman's Gaetz that he had time to repent.

From Salon • Dec. 8, 2024

He asked the judge questions at his sentencing, including, “Does the record reflect that I repent in my sins?”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2024

The Tulkarm Brigades statement said anyone who had been working with Israeli security services had until Dec. 5 to come forward and repent.

From Reuters • Nov. 25, 2023

But I usually try to repent for my sins of having a busy week and keep it healthy by clean eating.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2023

He spoke quickly, as if to give himself no time to repent of his offer, and hurried away even before my husband had assented.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

Related Words

• apologize
• atone
• deplore