repent
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 byof ).
were repenting
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past progressiveof repent.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She turned paler, became more composed, and her face assumed an expression of embarrassment, as if she were repenting of her outburst.
From Virgin Soil by R. S. Townsend
It was about five o'clock; the men were weary--most of us had loaded ourselves too heavily with the spoils of Manassas and were repenting, but few had as yet begun to throw away their booty.
From Who Goes There? by Blackwood Ketcham Benson
Faustina began to sob passionately, as though she were repenting of some fearful crime.
From Sant' Ilario by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
Mrs. Foster made strange noises, which she thought suitable to attract the inmates, and Daphne saw two doves who struck her as if they had married in haste and were repenting at leisure.
From The Limit by Ada Leverson
Both were flushed and perspiring, and I still think they must have ordered hot cocoa in haste, and were repenting it at leisure.
From The Delectable Duchy by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
