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repent

1
[ ri-pent ]
/ rɪˈpɛnt /
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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.
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Origin of repent

1
1250–1300; Middle English repenten<Old French repentir, equivalent to re-re- + pentir to feel sorrow (<Latin paenitēre to regret, be sorry); see penitent

OTHER WORDS FROM repent

Other definitions for repent (2 of 2)

repent2
[ ree-puhnt, ri-pent ]
/ ˈri pənt, rɪˈpɛnt /

adjective

Origin of repent

2
1660–70; <Latin rēpent- (stem of rēpēns), present participle of rēpere to crawl, creep; see -ent
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use repent in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for repent (1 of 2)

repent1
/ (rɪˈpɛnt) /

verb
to feel remorse (for); be contrite (about); show penitence (for)he repents of his extravagance; he repented his words

Derived forms of repent

repenter, noun

Word Origin for repent

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

British Dictionary definitions for repent (2 of 2)

repent2
/ (ˈriːpənt) /

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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