noun

repentance

rih-PEN-tuns/rɪˈpentəns/

Sincere regret for wrongdoing with a desire to change.

The older brother shows repentance by repairing the toy he damaged.

Remorseful older brother repairs damaged toy.

Etymology

reLatinperhaps intensifying

+pentLatinto make sorry

+anceOld Frenchstate or action

Built on the idea of being made sorry, with re- perhaps adding intensity, repentance names more than painful regret. Its early meaning already linked sorrow for wrongdoing with abandoning that wrongdoing.

In context

In Touch Ministries4:28

a change of conduct, a change of behavior in their life. Otherwise, what in the world could repentance possibly mean? It does not mean simply sorrow, remorse, regret over something that you and I have done.

A Call to Repentance – Dr. Charles Stanley

More examples

He expresses repentance for lying and promises to tell the truth.
The sermon calls for repentance, not just fear of punishment.
Genuine repentance involves more than saying you're sorry.

Forms

repent verb — Regret wrongdoing and resolve to change.

repentant adjective — Sincerely sorry for wrongdoing and seeking change.

Similar words

remorse: Emphasizes painful guilt without necessarily implying resolve to change.
contrition: Emphasizes humble sorrow for wrongdoing, often in religious contexts.
regret: Can concern any unwelcome outcome, not necessarily personal wrongdoing.