resipiscence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “resipiscence” mean?
The act of returning to a better state of mind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of returning to a better state of mind; recognition of one's errors and subsequent change to wiser conduct.
A philosophical or moral awakening where one abandons foolish or mistaken views and adopts a more sensible or correct position; often implies a process of repentance or reformation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes a somewhat old-fashioned, scholarly, or deliberately erudite tone.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or theological texts, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “resipiscence” in a Sentence
[Subject] experienced a moment of resipiscence.[Subject]'s resipiscence was welcomed by all.The story is one of folly and eventual resipiscence.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resipiscence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The narrative arc follows a protagonist who must resipisce before redemption is possible.
American English
- The character never does resipisce, remaining stubborn until the end.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form exists.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form exists.]
adjective
British English
- [The adjective 'resipiscent' is theoretical but unattested in modern usage.]
American English
- [The adjective 'resipiscent' is theoretical but unattested in modern usage.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rarely used, potentially in historical, philosophical, or theological papers discussing concepts of moral reform.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resipiscence”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “resipiscence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resipiscence”
- Misspelling as 'resipiscense' or 'resipiscance'.
- Using it in informal contexts where simpler words like 'realization' or 'change of mind' are appropriate.
- Pronouncing it with a /z/ sound at the beginning (it's /rɛs/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or highly literary. Most native speakers will not know it.
While closely related, 'resipiscence' often emphasises the intellectual recognition of error and a return to wisdom, whereas 'repentance' focuses more on the emotional feeling of regret and moral sorrow for sin.
The verb 'resipisce' is theoretically possible (from Latin 'resipiscere') and is occasionally used in very scholarly or creative writing, but it is not a standard English verb.
For most learners, it is a word to recognise passively. Active use is only advisable in very specific, formal contexts where a precise, archaic term for moral/intellectual awakening is required.
The act of returning to a better state of mind.
Resipiscence is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Resipiscence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛsɪˈpɪs(ə)ns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛsəˈpɪsəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms contain this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REalising I Said It, I'm Penitent, Escaping Nonsense, Choosing Excellence' (RESIPISCENCE).
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL JOURNEY / RETURN TO THE PATH: Error is wandering from a path; resipiscence is the return to the correct road.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'resipiscence' MOST appropriately used?