The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

repentant

adjective

/rɪˈpɛn tnt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of repentant

Remorseful or regretful for past actions, behaviors, or choices.
"The criminal appeared in court with a repentant expression, seeking forgiveness for his crimes."

Detailed meaning of repentant

It signifies a genuine desire for change and a willingness to acknowledge and take responsibility for one's mistakes or wrongdoings. A repentant individual displays sincere contrition and a genuine intent to make amends for any harm caused. This adjective often implies a sense of humility, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth or moral transformation. A repentant person may seek forgiveness, express their remorse, and actively strive to rectify the consequences of their actions. The state of being repentant is commonly associated with moral or ethical transgressions, religious or spiritual contexts, and personal reconciliation with oneself or others.

Example sentences containing repentant

1. She wrote a heartfelt letter expressing her repentant feelings and apologizing for her hurtful words.
2. After realizing the impact of his actions, he became genuinely repentant and vowed to change his behavior.
3. The repentant student approached the teacher, confessing to cheating on the exam.
4. Despite their initial defiance, the children became repentant when they saw the disappointment in their parents' eyes.
5. The repentant politician publicly admitted to his past mistakes and promised to work towards earning the public's trust again.
6. The repentant employee offered to reimburse the company for the financial loss caused by their negligence.

History and etymology of repentant

The adjective 'repentant' has its origins in the Latin word 'repentare,' which is derived from 're-' meaning 'again' and 'pensare' meaning 'to weigh' or 'to consider.' In its earliest Latin usage, 'repentare' conveyed the idea of thoroughly weighing or considering one's actions, especially in a moral or introspective sense. Over time, as Latin evolved into various Romance languages and eventually into English, the term 'repentant' emerged to describe someone who is remorseful or regretful for their past actions, behaviors, or choices. Thus, the etymology of 'repentant' reflects the concept of deeply contemplating one's wrongdoings and feeling a sense of remorse or contrition, highlighting the introspective and moral dimensions of this adjective.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective repentant:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of repentant

1. The church welcomed the repentant sinner with open arms, offering support and guidance.
2. She sought counseling to address her past mistakes and engage in a process of repentant self-reflection.
3. The repentant driver pledged to never drink and drive again after causing a serious accident.
4. The minister delivered a sermon on the power of repentant hearts and the possibility of redemption.
5. The repentant thief returned the stolen items, expressing genuine remorse for his actions.
6. The repentant spouse worked tirelessly to rebuild trust and salvage their relationship.
7. The repentant teenager volunteered at a homeless shelter as a way to give back to the community.
8. Through acts of service and restitution, the repentant individual sought to make things right and seek forgiveness.
9. The repentant thief returned the stolen jewels, tears in his eyes.
10. She felt truly repentant for her hurtful words, seeking forgiveness.
11. The repentant student apologized for cheating on the exam.
12. He appeared genuinely repentant for neglecting his responsibilities.
13. After the accident, he was deeply repentant for reckless driving.
14. Her repentant attitude helped mend their fractured friendship.
15. The politician sounded repentant for his controversial remarks.
16. In his repentant letter, he expressed remorse for his actions.
17. The repentant gambler swore off casinos to rebuild his life.
18. She looked repentant as she confessed to her mistakes at work.
19. The repentant criminal sought a chance to make amends.
20. The repentant borrower promised to repay the loan in full.
21. He grew increasingly repentant as he reflected on his choices.
22. The repentant artist vowed to create meaningful, positive art.
23. Their repentant hearts led to reconciliation after the argument.