adjective
repentant
rih-PEN-tunt/rɪˈpentənt/
Feeling or showing regret for wrongdoing.
The repentant girl returns the purse.
Etymology
Repentir expresses regret for wrongdoing, associated with seeking forgiveness and changing one's conduct. The participial adjective describes someone experiencing that morally significant regret.
In context
Valancy, alone in her corner, was feeling disgusted and repentant. Why had she ever come to such a place? Freedom and independence were all very well, but one should not be a little fool.
More examples
- He offered a sincere, repentant apology.
- She seemed repentant after realizing the harm she had caused.
- The letter struck a repentant tone.
Forms
repentant · more repentant · most repentant
repent verb — feel remorse for wrongdoing
Similar words
- remorseful
- Both involve regret for wrongdoing; repentant often includes a wish to amend one's conduct.
- apologetic
- Apologetic expresses regret outwardly; repentant stresses the underlying change of heart.