repenter

Repenter is a noun in English that refers to a person who repents, or expresses remorse for past actions. In contemporary usage the term is rare; more common alternatives include penitent or contrite person.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed by adding the agent suffix -er to the verb repent. It appears primarily in historical, religious, or stylistic contexts and is less frequent in modern prose. When used, repenter typically designates the person who has undergone repentance rather than the act itself.

Conceptual role: In religious and moral discourse, repentance involves a change of mind and a turning away from wrongdoing. A repenter, therefore, is the individual who has completed this process or who publicly acknowledges it. The term often carries a formal or antiquated tone, and its usage can signal stylistic or doctrinal emphasis.

Relation to related terms: The standard term for this concept is penitent. Repentance refers to the act or state itself, not the person. In many contexts, penitent or phrases like “one who repents” are preferred for clarity and contemporary style.

See also: Repentance; Penitence; Penitent; Contrition.