Repentantly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜”
Add to dictionary

repentantly

[rษช'pentษ™ntli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in expressing remorse or regret

In a repentant manner; feeling or showing regret for one's wrongdoings.

Synonyms

penitently, regretfully, remorsefully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
repentantly

Used when someone feels deep regret for something they have done wrong and is committed to making a change. Often associated with a profound sense of moral awakening.

  • He knelt repentantly, promising never to hurt anyone again
remorsefully

Conveys a strong feeling of guilt and sorrow for one's actions, often accompanied by a desire to rectify the situation or seek atonement.

  • He apologized remorsefully, wanting to make amends for his mistakes
regretfully

Used when someone feels wishful sorrow for actions or decisions theyโ€™ve made, often implying a sense of lost opportunity or sadness more than deep moral guilt.

  • She looked at her old photographs regretfully, thinking of the paths not taken
penitently

Describes a state of feeling sorry for one's sins or wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness, often used in a religious or moral context.

  • The sinner confessed penitently, hoping for divine forgiveness

Examples of usage

  • He looked at her repentantly, wishing he could take back his hurtful words.
  • She apologized repentantly for her mistake, hoping to make amends.
  • They bowed their heads repentantly, seeking forgiveness for their actions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling remorse can trigger a range of emotions, including guilt, shame, and the desire for forgiveness.
  • Research suggests that expressing remorse can improve relationships and promote social bonding.
  • Studies show that individuals who feel repentantly are more likely to change their behavior and avoid repeating mistakes.

Religion

  • In many religious traditions, repentance is a key concept, often linked to forgiveness and spiritual growth.
  • Practices such as confession in Christianity are formal ways to express repentance.
  • In Buddhism, feeling remorse for oneโ€™s actions is crucial for attaining enlightenment and understanding suffering.

Literature

  • The theme of repentance is prevalent in classic literature, such as Shakespeare's 'King Lear', where characters grapple with their past mistakes.
  • Many modern novels explore characters' journeys of forgiveness, showcasing how they deal with regret.
  • Poets often use the theme of repentance to convey deep emotional struggles and the search for redemption.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies frequently highlight the concept of feeling sorry and seeking forgiveness, like Taylor Swift's 'Back to December'.
  • In many romantic comedies, a repentant character often wins back their love by showing sincerity and effort to change.
  • Popular TV shows often depict story arcs where characters must confront their past actions to resolve conflicts.

Origin of 'repentantly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repentere', meaning to feel regret or sorrow.
  • The prefix 're-' means again, while 'penta' relates to feelings, indicating a recurring sorrow.
  • It has been in the English language since the early 15th century, highlighting a long history of expressing remorse.

The adverb 'repentantly' is derived from the verb 'repent', which comes from the Latin word 'repentare', meaning 'to regret'. The concept of repentance has deep roots in religious and moral traditions, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for one's wrongdoings. The adverb 'repentantly' reflects this sense of contrition and remorse in its usage.


See also: repent, repentance, repentant, unrepentant.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,100, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.