repentant

IPA/rɪˈpentənt/
KK[rɪpˈɛntənt]IPA/rɪˈpentənt/

repentant — adjective

  • repentantpositive
  • more repentantcomparative
  • most repentantsuperlative

1. feeling regret or sorrow for one's own past actions, especially when those actio

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

feeling regret or sorrow for one's own past actions, especially when those actions have caused harm to others

Example

Saira was deeply repentant after she shouted at her younger brother for breaking his tablet.

collocation: deeply repentant

The repentant thief returned the stolen wallet to the police station the next morning.

attributive use: repentant + noun

Common collocations
  • deeply repentant
  • truly repentant
  • genuinely repentant
  • repentant about
  • repentant for
  • repentant of
Synonyms
  • remorseful

    similar intensity, focuses more on inner emotional pain

  • contrite

    more formal, implies humble awareness and willingness to make amends

  • penitent

    often carries religious overtones of seeking forgiveness

  • sorry

    much more general and less formal; used for both minor and serious situations

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

be/feel/seem + repentant

repentant + noun

repentant about/for + noun/gerund

Usage Note

More formal than 'sorry' or 'regretful'. Often used in moral, religious, or serious interpersonal contexts. The object of regret typically follows 'about' or 'for' (e.g., 'repentant about his lies', 'repentant for hurting her').

Common Mistakes

I am repentant for breaking the cup.
I am sorry for breaking the cup.
'repentant' is too strong for minor everyday accidents; use 'sorry' for small mishaps.
He was repentant to his boss for the mistake.
He was repentant about the mistake he made at work.
'repentant' is followed by 'about' or 'for' + the wrong action, not 'to' + a person.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe regret for wrongdoing, but they differ in tone and context. 'Remorseful' emphasises the internal emotional pain — someone who feels remorse is tormented by guilt. 'Contrite' is more formal and suggests not just regret but a broken, humble attitude and a desire to make amends. 'Penitent' often carries religious overtones: it implies a person who repents of sin and seeks forgiveness from God or a higher power. 'Sorry' is the broadest and least formal of the group — it works for minor accidents (spilling coffee) as well as serious offences, while the other three imply moral weight. For example, a student might be sorry for being late but contrite for cheating on a test; a devout believer might be penitent for breaking a religious rule.

remorsefulcontrite ↗penitentsorry ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • repentant about one's actions
  • repentant for hurting someone
  • a repentant heart
  • feel repentant

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'repentant' comes from Latin 'paenitens', the present participle of 'paenitere' (to cause regret, to be sorry), via Old French 'repentant'. It entered English in the 13th century and has been used ever since to describe someone who feels sorrow for wrongdoing.

First known use

13th century

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1