repent

1 of 2

verb

re·​pent ri-ˈpent 

repented; repenting; repents

intransitive verb

1

: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life

2

a

: to feel regret or contrition

b

: to change one's mind

transitive verb

1

: to cause to feel regret or contrition

2

: to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for

repenter noun

repent

2 of 2

adjective

re·​pent ˈrē-pənt 

: creeping, prostrate

repent stems

Synonyms

Verb

• regret

Examples of repent in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Like Mayer, Duran repented for his miscue with a big knock. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025

Porter repented for a rough start to the series by scoring 21 points on 5-of-6 outside shooting. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 May 2025

Adjective

Act fast, repent if necessary later, and encourage the backup to arrive sooner, rather than via the donut shop. —Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Adjective

Latin repent-, repens, present participle of repere to creep — more at reptile

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for repent

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event

Kids Definition

repent

verb

re·​pent

ri-ˈpent

1

: to feel sorrow for one's sin and make up one's mind to do what is right

2

: to feel sorry for or dissatisfied with something one has done : regret

repenter noun