Pronunciation

/rɪˈpent/

Definitions

• Verb: n. & v. 1. To feel or express remorse or contrition for past wrongs, sins, or mistakes; regret deeply. 2. To change one’s behavior or attitude because of such remorse; reform.

Phrases

• “Repent one’s sins” means to acknowledge and seek forgiveness for past wrongdoings.
• “Turn over a new leaf” often implies a person has repented and decided to make significant changes.
• “Seek redemption” signifies a desire to atone for past actions through repentance.

Example Sentences

• Verb (to repent): “After years of addiction, he finally repented and sought help.”
• Verb (as a change in behavior): “She repented her impulsive decision and apologized to her friends.”
• Noun: “The priest encouraged the penitent to engage in acts of charity as part of their repentance process.”

Synonyms

• Repentance
• Remorse
• Forgiveness-seeking
• Contrition
• Amendment
• Reformation

Antonyms

• Denial
• Insistence
• Persistence
• Unrepentant
• Indifference

Note: Repent can also be used as a noun to refer to the act of feeling remorse or the state of being sorry, but it’s less common than its verb form.