repentant

/ri'pentənt/

Thân thiện

A repentant child apologizes to his friend for breaking the toy.

Definition

Adjective: * Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds: The word "repentant" describes the state of feeling sincere regret or sorrow for having done something wrong. It implies a conscious acknowledgment of one's fault and often a desire to atone or change.

Examples

• The repentant thief returned the stolen goods to the store.
• After the argument, she gave him a repentant smile and apologized.
• He was truly repentant for his harsh words and promised to be more thoughtful.

Advanced Usage

• "To be repentant of/for something": This structure is used to specify the cause of the remorse.
  • She was deeply repentant for her actions.
  • He felt repentant of his past mistakes.

Variants and Related Words

• Repent (verb): To feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.
  • He repented his decision immediately.
• Repentance (noun): The action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.
  • Her letter was a clear sign of her repentance.

Synonyms

• Contrite: Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.
• Remorseful: Filled with a deep sense of guilt and regret.
• Penitent: Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant. (Note: This is a very close synonym, often used in religious contexts.)

Antonyms

• Unrepentant: Not feeling or showing regret for one's wrongdoings.
• Remorseless: Without regret or guilt.

Related Phrases

• A repentant sinner: A common phrase, especially in religious contexts, describing someone who has acknowledged their sins and seeks forgiveness.
  • The pastor welcomed the repentant sinner back into the community.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds

Từ đồng nghĩa

• penitent