repent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, literary, religious
Quick answer
What does “repent” mean?
To feel sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin and commit to changing one's behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To feel sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin and commit to changing one's behaviour.
To feel profound sorrow, regret, or disappointment about a past action, decision, or situation, often with a religious or moral dimension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The construction 'repent of something' (e.g., 'repent of one's sins') is slightly more common in UK English but remains standard in both.
Connotations
Equally strong religious/moral connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English due to greater prevalence of evangelical Christian discourse in public life.
Grammar
How to Use “repent” in a Sentence
[V] (intransitive)[V] of [n][V] [n] (transitive, formal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repent” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar urged the congregation to repent of their wrongdoings.
- She knew she would live to repent her harsh words.
American English
- The preacher called on sinners to repent and be saved.
- He repented his decision to drop out of college.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her repentantly, hoping for forgiveness.
- She apologised repentantly for missing the meeting.
American English
- He repentantly admitted he was wrong.
- The letter was written repentantly.
adjective
British English
- A repentant sinner may seek absolution.
- She gave him a repentant look after the argument.
American English
- The repentant thief returned the stolen goods.
- His repentant attitude helped him get a lighter sentence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare. Might be used hyperbolically: 'The board now repents its hasty merger.'
Academic
Used in theological, philosophical, historical, and literary studies.
Everyday
Limited. Used for emphasis regarding major regrets: 'I repent ever buying that car.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repent”
- Using it as a transitive verb without 'of' in formal writing (e.g., 'He repented his crimes' is acceptable but 'He repented of his crimes' is more traditional).
- Confusing it with 'relent' (to become less severe).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is most common in religious contexts. In secular use, it expresses very deep regret, often for a serious mistake.
'Regret' is broader and more common, covering anything from mild disappointment to deep sorrow. 'Repent' is stronger, implies moral fault, and often includes an intention to change or atone.
Yes, but it sounds very formal and emphatic. In everyday speech, 'I deeply regret my decision' is more natural.
The primary noun is 'repentance'. The adjective is 'repentant' and the adverb is 'repentantly'.
To feel sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin and commit to changing one's behaviour.
Repent is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Repent: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpent/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpent/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Too late to repent.”
- “Marry in haste, repent at leisure.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REgrEt + PENiTent = REPENT. A penitant person feels REgret.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY/ERROR IS A DIRTY PATH; REPENTANCE IS TURNING BACK / CLEANING UP. (e.g., 'He turned from his wicked ways.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'repent' MOST commonly used?