relent
Use Relent in a sentence
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.
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| chat, to converse |
| to flee; abscond: |
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. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To relent
Collins
World English Dictionary
relent (rɪˈlɛnt) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| 1. | to change one's mind about some decided course, esp a harsh one; become more mild or amenable |
| 2. | (of the pace or intensity of something) to slacken |
| 3. | (of the weather) to become more mild |
| [C14: from | |
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
Cite This Source
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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Example sentences
He refused to relent, even after repeated entreaties.
Sales dropped by a third, forcing the store owners to relent.
He was eventually forced to relent after public demonstrations.
Spouses sometimes relent under the pressure of extended separation and expanded responsibilities and file for divorce.
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