repentant

Repentant is an adjective describing a person who feels remorse for past actions and expresses a desire to change future behavior. It implies more than simply regretting something; it suggests a commitment to corrective action, such as apologizing, making amends, or altering one's conduct.

Etymology and nuance: from Latin poenit-, meaning to cause remorse; via Old French repentir; related terms include repentance, penitence, penitent. Distinguish from remorse: remorse is the emotional state, while repentant connotes an intention to reform.

Contexts: religious contexts emphasize turning away from wrong and returning to righteousness; in secular use, it may describe remorse combined with efforts to reform; phrases such as "repentant thief" or "repentant sinner" are common.

Psychology and society: repentance involves recognition of harm, remorse, cessation of wrongdoing, and attempts to repair; connected with moral development and restorative justice; caution about performative repentance that lacks real change.

Related terms: remorse, contrition, penitence; opposite: unrepentant.