What does repentant mean?
Repentant is an adjective describing someone who feels sincere remorse about wrongdoing and intends to change their conduct. The word is often used in formal, legal, and religious settings, as in “a repentant offender” or “a repentant attitude,” but it can apply in ordinary situations where a person acknowledges a mistake and seeks to make amends. Repentant is more specific than remorseful: remorse identifies the painful feeling of regret, whereas repentance adds the implication of moral awareness and a willingness to reform. The related noun repentance describes the state or expression of this regret, while repent is the corresponding verb. Together, these forms distinguish simple regret or disappointment from a serious recognition of responsibility and a decision to act differently.
Feeling remorse for wrongdoing and intending to reform.
"The repentant student accepted responsibility and promised to improve."
Often used in formal, religious, or legal contexts; implies both remorse and a willingness to reform.
Characterized by remorse and the intention to reform one's conduct.
"Her repentant gesture was accompanied by a sincere apology."
Can modify an attitude, gesture, speech, or other expression of remorse.
A repentant person is not merely sorry that something happened; they are willing to change because of it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repentant come from?
Repentant comes through French from Latin repentantem, a form based on the verb repentire, meaning “to repent” or “to turn back.” The underlying Latin root is shared with penitence, penitent, and penitential, all of which concern remorse or regret for wrongdoing. The development reflects a shift from the idea of turning back from an action to the modern emphasis on moral remorse and reform.
Related word forms
How repentant is actually used
Most common in formal and religious contexts. It carries a stronger moral emphasis than simply regretful, implying awareness of wrongdoing and a desire for reform.
Easily confused with repentant
Repentant describes someone who feels remorse and intends to change, whereas repentant describes that person or the quality of their remorse.