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 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.

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

1. creeping.

repent

¹

/ rɪˈpɛnt /

verb

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

   he repents of his extravagance

   he repented his words

repent

²

/ ˈriːpənt /

adjective

1. botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptant

   repent stems

Other Word Forms

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

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. ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of repent¹

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

Origin of repent²

C17: from Latin rēpere to creep

Example Sentences

Most important of all, it inverts the liberal narrative of history, in which the misdeeds of the past offer us important lessons, mistakes to be confronted, repented and transcended on the path to something better.

From Salon

He told Miller to consider the “spiritual ramifications” of his behavior under church doctrines, to repent and make restitution.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time of his 2024 conversion, Brand declared that he had repented of his past and that he would "acknowledge that I am in a battle against myself."

From Salon

"And if we would repent and do the right thing, maybe those people would actually get pregnant."

From Salon

It can't both be true that the accusations are false and also that Hegseth repents of his behavior, as multiple journalists have pointed out.

From Salon

Related Words

• apologize 
• atone 
• deplore