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Repent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repent

[rษชหˆpษ›nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in religion

Feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.

Synonyms

penitence, regret, remorse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repent

Repent is often used in a religious or moral context when someone feels sorry for their sins and decides to change their behavior. It's about seeking forgiveness and making a transformation.

  • He went to the church to repent for his sins
  • After realizing his mistakes, he decided to repent and lead a better life
regret

Regret is a general term used when someone feels sadness or disappointment over something that they have done or failed to do. This word is widely used in everyday conversations and doesnโ€™t necessarily have a moral or religious connotation.

  • She expressed deep regret for missing her brother's wedding
  • He felt regret for not taking the job offer
remorse

Remorse is a more intense feeling of regret or guilt for a wrong one has done. It often involves a deeper emotional response and carries a more serious tone.

  • After realizing the damage he caused, he was filled with remorse
  • She showed genuine remorse during the apology
penitence

Penitence is the feeling of being sorry for doing something wrong and is often displayed through certain actions like prayer or fasting. This term is also used primarily in a religious or moral context.

  • During the period of Lent, he showed his penitence by fasting and praying
  • Penitence marked his days as he sought forgiveness for his wrongdoings

Examples of usage

  • He repented of his sins and asked for forgiveness.
  • She showed true repentance for her actions.
Context #2 | Verb

in everyday life

Feel or express regret or remorse about a past action or decision.

Synonyms

be sorry, feel remorseful, regret.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repent

Used mostly in religious or formal contexts where someone admits their wrongdoings and seeks forgiveness.

  • After years of wrong actions, he decided to repent and change his life
regret

Used when someone wishes they had done something differently; it can be about small or significant things.

  • I regret not taking that job opportunity
feel remorseful

Expresses a deep, often painful sense of guilt and moral anguish over one's actions.

  • She felt remorseful about hurting her friendโ€™s feelings
be sorry

Commonly used in everyday language when apologizing for a mistake or acknowledging a minor fault.

  • I am sorry for being late to the meeting

Examples of usage

  • He repented not buying the house when he had the chance.
  • She repented leaving her job without having another one lined up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • Many religious traditions view repentance as a key step towards forgiveness and atonement.
  • In Christianity, repentance involves confessing sins and seeking God's mercy and grace.
  • Islam stresses the importance of sincere repentance as part of one's relationship with Allah.

Psychology

  • Studies show that acknowledging wrongdoing can lead to improved mental health and lower levels of anxiety.
  • Repentance is linked to emotional healing, helping individuals move past guilt and rebuild relationships.
  • Cognitive dissonance often motivates people to repent to reconcile their actions with their self-image.

Cultural References

  • Repentance features prominently in literature, often symbolizing a character's moral journey.
  • Songs and films frequently explore themes of regret and redemption, emphasizing personal transformation.
  • The concept of repentance is often portrayed in art, signaling a turning point in many stories.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary discourse, repentance is sometimes viewed as a social or political act, addressing systemic wrongs.
  • The phrase 'repent and reform' is common in activist circles, calling for accountability and change.
  • In popular culture, characters who repent often confront their past, creating powerful narratives of redemption.

Origin of 'repent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'repent' comes from the Latin 'paenitere', meaning 'to feel regret'.
  • It made its way into English around the late 13th century, shaped by Old French influences.
  • Originally, it encompassed not just sorrow, but also a desire to change one's life.

The word 'repent' originated from the Latin word 'repentฤซre', which means 'to regret'. It entered the English language in the 14th century through Old French. The concept of repentance has been a significant theme in religious and moral teachings throughout history, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one's mistakes and seeking forgiveness.

See also: repentance, repentant, repentantly, unrepentant.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,286, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.