repentant
rih-PEN-tuhnt
/rɪˈpɛntənt/
Expressing or feeling sincere regret and remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.
Focuses on the active decision to turn away from past bad behavior and choose a better path.
The story behind the word. Repentant arrived in Middle English through Old French 'repentir', derived from Late Latin 're-paenitere'. The prefix 're-' intensifies the Latin verb 'paenitere', emphasizing a complete shift in mind and direction after recognizing an error.
Word relationships
- penitent: Penitent often carries religious or formal connotations of performing penance, whereas repentant is broadly applicable to any deep moral turning point.
- impenitent: Impenitent describes someone who refuses to feel regret or admit wrong.
Commonly confused with
- reluctant: Reluctant means hesitant or unwilling, while repentant means feeling sorrowful for past actions.
Word family
- repent (verb): to feel or express sincere regret about one's wrongdoing
- repentance (noun): sincere regret or remorse
Collocations
- repentant sinner
- repentant mood
- repentant look
Example sentences
- "The judge considered the defendant's repentant attitude before issuing a reduced sentence." Courtroom confession
Memory hook
Re-PENT-ant: You feel so sorry that you stay inside your room (pent up) rethinking your actions. Turning your back on bad behavior.
When not to use
Avoid using for casual regret about missed opportunities where no moral fault was involved.
Fun facts
- The noun 'repentance' historically required three steps in classical philosophy: contrition of heart, confession of mouth, and satisfaction of work.
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