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

1. creeping.

repent

¹

/ ˈriːpənt /

adjective

1. botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptant

   repent stems

repent

²

/ rɪˈpɛnt /

verb

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

   he repented his words

   he repents of his extravagance

Derived Forms

• reˈpenter, noun

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

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

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

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.

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

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

From Nautilus

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.

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• apologize
• atone
• deplore