verb
Uncommon
repent
rih-PEHNT
Repent (verb) means to feel deep regret for something wrong you have done, often wanting to change. Example: “He repented of his youthful mistakes later in life.”
verb
1
To feel deep regret for something wrong you have done, often wanting to change.
"He repented of his youthful mistakes later in life."
"The preacher urged the crowd to repent and start anew."
How to use repent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo feel genuine sorrow for wrongdoing, often with a wish to make things right.
When to use it
Often used in a religious or moral sense, though it can apply to any regretted action.
Common pairings
repent of a sin
repent your ways
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like repent.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- repents
- Past tense
- repented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ of his youthful mistakes later in life.
Etymology
From Old French repentir, from Vulgar Latin repaenitire, ultimately from Latin paenitere, "to cause regret."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “repent” mean?
The word “repent” means to feel deep regret for something wrong you have done, often wanting to change. In plain terms, to feel genuine sorrow for wrongdoing, often with a wish to make things right.
How do you pronounce “repent”?
“Repent” is pronounced rih-PEHNT (/ɹɪˈpɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “repent” in a sentence?
Here is “repent” used in a sentence: “He repented of his youthful mistakes later in life.”
What is another word for “repent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “repent” include afterthink, regret and rue.
What part of speech is “repent”?
“Repent” is a verb.
Where does the word “repent” come from?
The word “repent” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French repentir, from Vulgar Latin repaenitire, ultimately from Latin paenitere, "to cause regret.".
Is “repent” a common word?
“Repent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
