repent

1
[ ri-pent ]
See synonyms for repent on Thesaurus.com
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.

Origin of repent

1
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”; see penitent)

Other words from repent

  • 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

Other definitions for repent (2 of 2)

repent2
[ ree-puhnt, ri-pent ]

adjective

Origin of repent

2
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” (see serpent )

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use repent in a sentence

  • And the others, not knowing that he had that day repented, sat at their distance and tried to form no conclusion.

    The Homesteader | Oscar Micheaux
  • Be sure, dear Mrs Allcraft, that having repented, you are pardoned and reconciled to your Father.

  • How bitterly she repented having sacrificed so much, out of a foolish sense of gratitude to his father.

    The World Before Them | Susanna Moodie
  • I repented directly the false step was taken, but, like a true Briton, I was too proud to go back.

    The World Before Them | Susanna Moodie
  • Eric, with real shame, observed the pained uneasiness of her manner, and bitterly repented his share in the transaction.

    Eric, or Little by Little | Frederic W. Farrar

British Dictionary definitions for repent (1 of 2)

repent1

/ (rɪˈpɛnt) /


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

Origin of repent

1
C13: from Old French repentir from re- + pentir to be contrite, from Latin paenitēre to repent

Derived forms of repent

  • repenter, noun

British Dictionary definitions for repent (2 of 2)

repent2

/ (ˈriːpənt) /


adjective
  1. botany lying or creeping along the ground; reptant: repent stems

Origin of repent

2
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