What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repentance
Example
He showed true repentance for his actions and apologized to those he had wronged. [repentance: noun]
Example
She repented of her past mistakes and vowed to make things right. [repented: verb]
remorse
Example
He felt overwhelming remorse for his actions and couldn't sleep at night. [remorse: noun]
Example
She was filled with remorse after realizing the impact of her words on her friend. [remorseful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Remorse is more commonly used than repentance in everyday language. Remorse is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while repentance is often associated with religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between repentance and remorse?
Both repentance and remorse can be used in formal and informal contexts, but repentance may be more formal due to its religious connotation.