verb
relent
ri-LENT/rɪˈlent/
Become less harsh or determined in an attitude or action.
The woman relents and hands over the car keys.
Etymology
The supple root connects with the early meaning “melt or soften,” though the immediate source is unclear. The later sense of becoming less harsh probably pictures a hard heart melting with pity.
In context
some have been betting that the FED will relent stop raising interest rates as inflation cools down
More examples
- She refused at first but relented after hearing his explanation.
- The rain did not relent until evening.
- Pressure from his friends made him relent.
Forms
relent · relents · relented · relenting
Similar words
- yield
- Yield means give way; relent emphasizes becoming less severe or resistant.
- soften
- Soften may be gradual or emotional; relent often ends a refusal.