Etymology Map
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Repent

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to feel sincere regret

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

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

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.