Repentantly: meaning, definitions and examples
😔
repentantly
[rɪ'pentəntli ]
Definition
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?
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| regretfully |
Used when someone feels wishful sorrow for actions or decisions they’ve made, often implying a sense of lost opportunity or sadness more than deep moral guilt.
|
| penitently |
Describes a state of feeling sorry for one's sins or wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness, often used in a religious or moral context.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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 one’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.
Translations
Translations of the word "repentantly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 arrependidamente
🇮🇳 पश्चातापपूर्वक
🇩🇪 reuevoll
🇮🇩 dengan menyesal
🇺🇦 каючись
🇵🇱 ze skruchą
🇯🇵 後悔して (kōkai shite)
🇫🇷 avec repentir
🇪🇸 arrepentidamente
🇹🇷 pişmanlıkla
🇰🇷 회개하며 (hoegaehamyeo)
🇸🇦 بتوبة (bitawba)
🇨🇿 kajícně
🇸🇰 kajúcne
🇨🇳 悔悟地 (huǐwù de)
🇸🇮 kesajoče
🇮🇸 með iðrun
🇰🇿 өкінішпен
🇬🇪 მონანიებით (monaniebit)
🇦🇿 peşmanlıqla
🇲🇽 arrepentidamente
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.