repent

Where does the word "repent" come from? It comes from Latin paenitere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Repent’s story begins in Latin: paenitere meant “to regret.” The same root as 'penance'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as repentir. 're-' intensive plus 'pentir'. It reached English by 1300s as repent. 'repentance' followed. Today, repent means to feel sincere regret.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient paenitere "to regret", the same root as 'penance'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval repentir "to regret", 're-' intensive plus 'pentir'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s repent "to regret sin", 'repentance' followed.