repentance
n. uncountablen. a feeling of being very sorry for doing something wrong. It usually includes a strong wish to change your behavior and do better in the future.
n. sincere regret or remorse for past actions, typically accompanied by a commitment to personal change or restitution.
He showed true repentance for his mistakes.
The judge considered the defendant's sincere expression of repentance when deciding on a lighter sentence.
In many theological traditions, repentance is viewed not merely as a feeling of guilt, but as a fundamental turning away from previous moral failings toward a more ethical life.
First attested circa 14th century, from Old French repentance. More at repent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often followed by the preposition 'for' to indicate the specific action being regretted.
Last updated May 7, 2026