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verb (used without object)
1.
to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.
2.
to become less severe; slacken: The winds relented.
verb (used with object)
3.
Obsolete. to cause to soften in feeling, temper, or determination.
4.
Obsolete. to cause to slacken; abate.
5.
Obsolete. to abandon; relinquish.
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Relent
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is peculate. Does it mean:
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
| to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle. |
Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin *relentāre, equivalent to Latin re- re- + lentāre to bend, derivative of lentus flexible, viscous, slow
1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin *relentāre, equivalent to Latin re- re- + lentāre to bend, derivative of lentus flexible, viscous, slow
Related forms
re·lent·ing·ly, adverb
non·re·lent·ing, adjective
un·re·lent·ed, adjective
Synonyms
1. bend, yield.
1. bend, yield.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To relent
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
relent
late 14c., "to melt, soften, dissolve," from re-, intensive prefix + L. lentus "slow, viscous, supple" (see lithe). Sense of "become less harsh or cruel" first recorded 1520s. The notion is probably of a hard heart melting with pity.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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