Repent
v.thoughtful, hopefulformal
What it means
To feel sincere remorse for wrongdoing and turn away from it.
Reach for it when describing moral change that includes regret and different conduct
He repented of the deception and worked to repair the harm.
Choose between these
5- everyday
make amends
harm to others is actively repaired
not when Amends can occur without inner repentance.
- everyday
regret
sorrow about a choice is known
not when Regret does not require reform.
- warm
show remorse
sincere sorrow is visible
not when Remorse alone may not change conduct.
- professional
behavior changes over time
not when Reform may follow practical pressure.
- formal
atone
action answers acknowledged wrongdoing
not when Atonement emphasizes reparation.
Said against
3- persist in wrongdoing
- justify harm
- remain unrepentant
It naturally appears in
3- repent sincerely
She repented sincerely and returned what she had taken.
- repent of wrongdoing
The official repented of wrongdoing in a public statement.
- chance to repent
The story gives its proud hero a chance to repent.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English verb sense: regret wrongdoing and change course opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.