feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin, view or think of (an action or omission) with deep regret or remorse

repent at leisure, repent of one's ways, too late to repent

Formal and Informal Expressions of repent

In different contexts, you can replace 'repent' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'regret, remorse' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'be sorry, feel bad' is a commonplace synonym.

repent: Explore its Definition & Usage

repent Definition

1feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin
2view or think of (an action or omission) with deep regret or remorse

Using repent: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "repent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He repented his sins and asked for forgiveness.
Example
She deeply repented her mistake and promised to never do it again.
Example
I hope he will repent for what he has done.
Example
The criminal showed no signs of repenting.

repent Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for repent

Antonyms for repent

Phrases with repent

repent at leisure
if you do something in a hurry and then regret it, you will have plenty of time to think about it afterwards
Example
He married her after knowing her for only a month, but soon realized his mistake and had to repent at leisure.
repent of one's ways
to feel regret or remorse for one's past behavior and resolve to change it
Example
After years of living a reckless life, he finally repented of his ways and turned his life around.
too late to repent
when it is too late to make amends or correct a mistake
Example
He realized his mistake only after the damage was done and it was too late to repent.

Origins of repent

from Old French 'repentir', from Latin 'paenitere', meaning 'to make sorry'

📌

Summary: repent in Brief

To 'repent' [rɪˈpent] means to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin. It can also refer to viewing or thinking of an action or omission with deep regret or remorse. The term is often used in religious contexts, but it can also be applied to everyday situations. Phrases like 'repent at leisure' and 'too late to repent' emphasize the importance of considering one's actions before taking them.