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Repent

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To feel remorse or regret for one’s actions, especially for something wrong or sinful.
2. To express sincere regret or remorse for past behavior or decisions, often with the intention of changing one’s ways.
3. To feel sorrow for one’s mistakes or sins, and seek forgiveness or improvement.

History and Origin

The word “repent” comes from the Old French repentir, which itself derives from the Latin repentir (meaning “to feel regret”), from re- (meaning “again”) and paenitere (meaning “to regret or feel sorrow”). The term has been in use in English since the 14th century and has strong religious connotations, often referring to the act of seeking forgiveness for sins or wrongdoings. Over time, its meaning broadened to include general regret for any action or decision, not just those with a moral or religious component.

Detailed Explanation

“Repent” refers to the emotional and moral process of recognizing and regretting past actions that one considers wrong or harmful. It involves feeling sorrow for one’s mistakes, especially for actions that caused harm to others or went against one’s values. Repentance often includes a commitment to change behavior and seek forgiveness, whether from others, oneself, or a higher power.

In religious contexts, repentance is seen as an important step towards redemption or forgiveness, where individuals acknowledge their sins and strive to improve. In a broader sense, the term can refer to anyone feeling regret or sorrow for their actions, leading them to amend their ways.

Example Sentences

1. After realizing his mistake, he felt the need to repent for his actions.
2. The man repented for his past wrongdoings and vowed to make amends.
3. She truly repented for the hurtful words she said during the argument.
4. The sinner came to the priest to repent and ask for forgiveness.
5. They repented for their negligence and promised to work harder in the future.
6. He repented for his selfish decisions and sought a path of self-improvement.
7. She was filled with remorse and repented her actions after seeing the damage they caused.
8. The criminal repented for his crimes and expressed deep regret during the trial.
9. After a long period of reflection, he finally repented and reconciled with his family.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Regret – To feel sorrow or disappointment about a past action or decision.
2. Atone – To make amends for a wrongdoing or sin, often used in a religious context.
3. Feel remorse – To experience guilt or sorrow for a past wrong.
4. Contrition – The feeling of deep regret and sorrow for wrongdoing, often in a religious sense.
5. Apologize – To express regret for a mistake or offense, typically with an intention to make amends.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Repentance – The act or process of feeling remorse and seeking forgiveness for wrong actions.
2. Forgiveness – The act of pardoning someone for their wrong actions, often linked with repentance.
3. Redemption – The act of being saved from sin or wrongdoing, often associated with repentance in religious contexts.
4. Amend – To make changes or corrections, often as a result of regret.
5. Reformation – The act of changing one’s behavior or ways, often as a result of repentance.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Remorse – Deep regret or guilt for a wrong done, closely related to repentance.
2. Sorrow – A feeling of sadness or regret, often linked with repentance.
3. Confession – The act of admitting to wrongdoings, often leading to repentance.
4. Reconciliation – The process of restoring harmony or peace, often after repentance.
5. Regenerative – Describing a process or person that seeks or undergoes improvement or renewal, often linked to repentance.

Antonyms

1. Persist
2. Defend
3. Justify
4. Excuse
5. Condone