What does repent mean?
To repent is to regret wrongdoing seriously enough to turn away from it. The word commonly takes the construction “repent of,” as in “repent of one’s sins,” and it often suggests a moral or religious change rather than simple regret. Repenting may involve acknowledging harm, resolving to behave differently, seeking forgiveness, or making amends. In Christian contexts, it has a defined spiritual meaning: turning from sin toward God. In secular contexts, it can describe abandoning a harmful habit, decision, or course of life. Although “remorse” names the feeling of guilt or regret that may accompany wrongdoing, “repent” emphasizes the response to that feeling. Repent is a useful word because it captures both moral accountability and the possibility of change. It is more formal than everyday expressions such as “feel sorry” and often carries a stronger sense of responsibility.
verbTo feel regret or remorse for wrongdoing and to turn away from it, usually with the intention of changing one's conduct. In religious contexts, it often means to acknowledge sin, repent, and seek forgiveness.
- To regret wrongdoing and abandon the harmful conduct associated with it.
- In religious usage, to acknowledge sin and turn toward repentance and forgiveness.
"He repented of his cruelty and sought to make amends for the harm he had caused."
"After years of living abroad, she repented of her decision to abandon the town where she had grown up."
"The congregation was asked to repent of its sins and to make restitution for the injustice it had permitted."
Repent has a striking double life: it can describe a private change of heart or a formal religious turning away from sin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repent come from?
Repent comes through Old French from the Latin verb paenitēre, meaning “to feel pain, regret, or remorse.” Its development reflects the Christian tradition in which repentance is not merely regret but a turning away from wrongdoing. The related Latin roots also produced English words including penance, penitence, penitent, and penitential.
Related word forms
How repent is actually used
The word is relatively formal and especially common in religious, moral, and literary contexts. The usual pattern is “repent of” something; in older or more literary English, “repent” can also occur without “of.” It conveys a change of attitude or conduct, not merely an unpleasant feeling.
Easily confused with repent
Remorse is the feeling of regret or guilt, whereas to repent is to regret wrongdoing and turn away from it.