Definition of repent
intransitive verb
1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2a : to feel regret or contritionb : to change one's mind
transitive verb
1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition
2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for
repenter
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of repent in a Sentence
The preacher told us that we would be forgiven for our sins if we repented.
criminals who have repented for their crimes
The preacher told us that we would be forgiven if we repented our sins.
Origin and Etymology of repent
Middle English, from Anglo-French repentir, from Medieval Latin repoenitēre, from Latin re- + Late Latin poenitēre to feel regret, alteration of Latin paenitēre — more at penitent
First Known Use: 14th century
Origin and Etymology of repent
Latin repent-, repens, present participle of repere to creep — more at reptile
First Known Use: 1669
REPENT Defined for English Language Learners
repent
playDefinition of repent for English Language Learners
-
: to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right
REPENT Defined for Kids
repent
playDefinition of repent for Students
repented
;repenting
: to acknowledge regret for having done something wrong “Repent. Say that you are sorry …” — Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux
Learn More about repent
-
See words that rhyme with repent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for repent Spanish Central: Translation of repent Nglish: Translation of repent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of repent for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up repent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!