repentant

What does “repentant” mean?

adjective.expressing or feeling sincere regret and remorse; remorseful.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts involving personal growth, moral dilemmas, or character development, emphasizing a deep emotional response to wrongdoing. It implies a genuine desire for atonement, distinguishing it from similar words like "contrite," which may not fully capture the sincerity of the regret expressed.

Common Confusions

Repentant implies a sincere desire for atonement after wrongdoing, while remorseful usually suggests a feeling of regret without necessarily indicating a commitment to change or seek forgiveness.

Example Sentences

• He was deeply repentant and asked for forgiveness in person.

Word Parts: How to Remember “repentant”

Break “repentant” into its parts: re- (again, back). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: re- again, back (Latin)