Repent
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.
Words to choose between 5
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
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everyday
make amends
Fits when harm to others is actively repaired
Careful Amends can occur without inner repentance.
-
everyday
regret
Fits when sorrow about a choice is known
Careful Regret does not require reform.
-
warm
show remorse
Fits when sincere sorrow is visible
Careful Remorse alone may not change conduct.
-
professional
Fits when behavior changes over time
Careful Reform may follow practical pressure.
-
formal
atone
Fits when action answers acknowledged wrongdoing
Careful Atonement emphasizes reparation.
Opposites 3
- persist in wrongdoing
- justify harm
- remain unrepentant
Common phrases 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.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated